Dental Trauma

Dental related injuries are a common injury for children. Studies have shown that approximately twenty five percent of all school aged children have experienced dental trauma and thirty three percent of adults trauma to the permanent dentition. Whilst dental injuries are not often broadcasted it is still just as important to understand the safety precautions and procedures to follow when faced with a dental injury.

For children, this is particularly important. In everyday life children may bump into things or have a nasty fall. In some cases these injuries may lead to a tooth falling out. Certain steps can be taken following this in order to minimise the amount of long term damage. If your child knocks out a tooth these simple steps can help:

1. Find the tooth, ensure to clean it and hold onto it by the crown and NOT the root

2. Place the tooth back in position (making sure it is facing the right way), however if it is a baby tooth do not place the tooth back

3. Contact us right away to book an appointment!

Alternatively, if you are unable to replant the tooth, transport it in milk or saliva. If it is a baby tooth, do not place it back in as your child may accidentally swallow it.

Dental traumas also covers other issues such as toothaches. If your child experiences a toothache, it is important to book an appointment with one of our dentists immediately. In the meantime, you can rinse your child’s mouth with salt water. If there is any pain or swelling, you can give your child paracetamol and use a cold compress.

For adults a similar procedure follows. Once the tooth is found it can be cleaned by gently rinsing with milk. Then place the tooth back in position, ensuring it is facing the right direction. In order to keep the tooth in place you may bite down on a cloth or tissue, alternatively a mouthguard or aluminum foil could also be used to stop it from moving.

In any case where a tooth has fallen out, the most important thing is to get to the dentist as quick as possible, ideally within 30 minutes!

If you or your child play a contact sport frequently, it is advisable to get a custom fit mouth guard. This is an easy protective measure that can minimise potential dental injuries in contact sports.

If this applies to you, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic and book in an appointment so our dentists can take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will then be sent off to make your own mouthguard!