Dental Trauma
by Carrie PrestonPrevent a child losing their smile. If an “adult” tooth is knocked out, all is not lost – Act Quickly.
FIRST AID ADVICE
1. Find the tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown (the part usually visible in the mouth) not by the root (the pointed end). Do not scrub the tooth or place it in disinfectant.
2. If the tooth is clean. Hold it by the crown and carefully but firmly push it back into its socket, making sure that it is the right way round. This is usually painless if done immediately after the accident.
3. If the tooth is dirty. Rinse it in milk or cold water before pushing it back into place.
4. Hold the tooth in place. Ask the child to keep it in position by biting on a handkerchief and go to the dentist immediately for advice.
If you can’t put the tooth back, place it in a cup of milk (or cold water). Do not let the tooth become dry. Do not place the tooth in disinfectant. Contact your dentist immediately.
If a tooth is broken in an accident try to find the pieces, store in milk and contact your dentist straight away. Often broken parts of teeth can be “glued” back into position.
If there are other injuries that may need hospital treatment as priority eg vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, amnesia, breathing difficulties, bone fractures, cuts on the skin needing stitches, you should be seen by your dentist as soon after hospital treatment as possible.
Anybody who has an accident to their teeth should contact their dentist straight away, even if there is no apparent damage to the teeth. All is not lost – injuries often look worse to start with. As a team at Shipston Dental Practice we are experienced in dealing with dental trauma and in a broad range of techniques to repair the teeth and restore your smile.
A person with parental responsibility must bring the child (except in an emergency).
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