Front Permanent
Tooth Knocked Out By A Bat:
Your
child must see a Dentist within one hour of the incident. If you
wait any longer, chances of the tooth being successfully re-implanted are
poor. If you can, rinse it in cool water (do not wipe it or scrub
it), place it in a glass of water or milk or gently wrap it in a clean,
damp cloth until you get to your dentist's office. Teeth that have
been knocked out will almost always require a root canal, but they can
often survive for years if treated within one hour after the injury.
To
protect your child in the future, have your Dentist fit your child for a
mouthguard and consider purchasing one or more tooth-saver boxes for your
home and your car. These boxes are designed to hold and protect a
knocked-out tooth until you can see a Dentist.
[BACK
TO TOP]
Dark
Colored Baby Tooth - Alive Or Dead:
The
discoloration of a baby tooth may mean that an accidental impact has
broken a blood vessel at the tip of the tooth's root. However, baby
teeth often survive blows that would kill a permanent tooth. If your
child experiences a severe blow to the mouth and you suspect damage to one
or more teeth, take your child to a Dentist right away and have the tooth
examined.
[BACK
TO TOP]
Chipped
Front Tooth:
If
your child chips one of their teeth and you find the fragment, bring it
with you to the Dental office. A fragment can occasionally be bonded
back onto the tooth. Even without the broken piece, a dentist can
often restore the tooth to its natural appearance in less than one hour.
[BACK
TO TOP]
Toothaches:
If
your child develops a toothache, call your Dentist immediately.
Some Dentists recommend that, until your child can be treated, you should
rinse their mouth with lukewarm water, and apply cloth-wrapped ice to the
face.
Dentists
do not recommend that you apply heat, and never put an aspirin on
the tooth or gums. Aspirin is an acid and when placed on a tooth or
against the gums, it can produce burns. If you are going to use
aspirin, make sure it is swallowed. Finally, children who complain
of a toothache often have food lodged between their teeth. Gently
flossing the area of discomfort may provide immediate relief.
[BACK
TO TOP]
Preventing
Injuries To A Child's Teeth:
If
you have toddlers, make sure your house is childproof. This means
sharp corners or protruding knobs and handles on furniture has been
padded. If this is not possible, lock the doors to the rooms
that contains potentially damaging furniture. When your child is in
a stroller or car, make sure the child is strapped in firmly. Never
let your child stand on a seat or sit in your lap while you are in a car.
Mouth
guards can prevent injuries in older children. Most dental injuries occur
in your neighborhood, not on the gym floor or playing field, so a
mouthguard should ideally be worn during all "rough" play, even
if it is only in your own backyard.
[BACK TO TOP]