As kids are naturally curious, it’s not a surprise if they sustain injuries here and there. Sometimes, however, these injuries affect the mouth, particularly the teeth. Dental trauma in kids can be scary for parents. But with the right knowledge and quick action, most dental injuries can be managed successfully. Learn more about emergency dental care in children, and how they can be prevented here.
In Singapore, about 30% of kids experience dental trauma. They usually occur at ages 1-3 when they begin walking or 8-11 when they start participating in sports. Here’s more information on the causes and risk factors of child dental injury:
- Young children (1-3 years old): Most dental trauma in kids occurs due to falls and collisions as toddlers learn to walk and run. Lack of supervision and unsafe environments (e.g., slippery floors, sharp edges) increase the risk.
- School-aged children (8-11 years old): Active participation in contact sports and playground activities becomes a significant cause of dental trauma. Other risk factors include falls during cycling or skating, fights, and accidents involving motor vehicles.
- General risk factors: Protruding upper front teeth (overjet) are more susceptible to child dental injury. Children with certain medical conditions (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) might be at higher risk due to increased impulsivity.
Additionally, lack of awareness and preventive measures like mouthguards in sports can contribute to the occurrence and severity of dental trauma in kids.
Emergency Dental Care: Types of Dental Trauma in Kids and Their Treatment
Emergency dental care depends on the type of child’s dental injury. As parents, keep the following types of injury in mind:
Cracked Teeth
If a part of a primary tooth is chipped off, the dentist may only smoothen the edges to avoid injury, considering the tooth will be replaced eventually. Minor chips on permanent teeth can often be smoothed out or repaired with bonding, a tooth-coloured resin material.
Larger fractures might require dental crowns to restore the tooth’s shape and function. In cases where the fracture extends to the pulp, pulp treatment might be necessary to save the tooth. If the damage is too extensive, extraction might be the only option.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the soft tissues, such as the lips, gums, or tongue, usually require thorough cleaning to remove debris and control bleeding. Sutures might be needed to close larger wounds. In some cases, antibiotics or tetanus shots might be prescribed to prevent infection.
Luxated Tooth
Luxated or partially displaced tooth may need no treatment at all if there’s only very mild displacement, it happened to a primary tooth, and it doesn’t interfere with the child’s bite. If the primary tooth is severely displaced, however, emergency dental care may require extraction. For a luxated permanent tooth, repositioning them is the best practice.
Avulsed Tooth
Avulsed teeth, or teeth that have been completely knocked out, require immediate attention. If the tooth can be reimplanted immediately, there is a higher chance of successful healing. However, even if the tooth has been knocked out for some time, it’s still recommended to gently replant it. Just a reminder to always handle the knocked-out tooth by the crown (chewing side).
In cases where reimplantation is not possible, dental implants or bridges can be considered as replacement options.
Note that for primary teeth, reimplantation is NOT recommended.
Preventing Injuries: Tips For Parents on Preventing Dental Trauma in Kids
Preventing injuries in kids is a multifaceted approach. Here are some tips for parents:
- Supervise young children closely, especially during playtime. Consider child-proofing your home to eliminate hazards for slips and falls.
- Encourage safe play and discourage roughhousing.
- Insist on using mouthguards during contact sports.
- Always ensure children are buckled up in car seats or seat belts.
- Consider orthodontic treatment for protruding front teeth.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and address any issues promptly.
- Teach children about dental health and emergency procedures.
Conclusion
Dental trauma is a common childhood experience, but it doesn’t have to be a lasting one. Parents play a vital role in prevention through supervision, promoting safe play, and ensuring the use of protective gear like mouthguards. Recognizing the signs of different types of dental trauma and seeking immediate professional care can significantly influence the outcome, potentially saving a tooth or preventing complications. Remember, even if a tooth is knocked out, it’s crucial to act quickly and calmly.
References:
Teeth Injuries: First Aid (for Parents), https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tooth-sheet.html Accessed October 5, 2024
Emergencies – Dental Trauma In Children, https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/dental-trauma-in-children Accessed October 5, 2024
Dental Trauma, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/topics_dental_trauma#:~:text=root%20canal%20treatment.-,Causes,foods%20and%20drinking%20hot%20liquids Accessed October 5, 2024
