In the face of a dental trauma We need to be quick and not dismiss it, even if it's a baby tooth. We'll explain everything in today's post.
Dental trauma can cause infection, pain, and alterations in occlusion or aesthetics; therefore, we must be attentive and know what to do when the time comes.
In the case of baby teeth, when they suffer trauma, it is also important, since although the baby teeth will eventually fall out, the permanent teeth are developing underneath them and therefore these can be affected by trauma.
What types of dental trauma are there?
- Concussion: This occurs when, due to trauma, the tooth becomes impacted in the gum. It doesn't usually bleed, but it can be painful. It's important to take the child to a pediatric dentist within the first 24 hours for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
- FractureThe tooth has broken from the blow. It may be the visible part of the tooth that has broken, but blows can also cause fractures in the root that are not visible. It is very important, if possible, to collect the broken piece of tooth, place it in saline solution or milk, and go to the pediatric dentist immediately. Even if the tooth hasn't broken externally, we should still go, as the injury may be there but not visible.
- SubluxationThis occurs when the blow causes the tooth to move from its normal position. You should also see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible, just as you would if you dislocated a shoulder or leg.
- AvulsionThis happens when a tooth is knocked out, and in this case, you have to be extremely quick. The first thing to do is find the tooth, put it in saline solution or milk, and rush to the pediatric dentist. The first 15 minutes are crucial, so the faster you are, the better the chances of reimplanting the tooth.
Therefore, never underestimate blows to the mouth/teeth, be attentive to changes in tooth color after trauma, and always take your child to a pediatric dentist to rule out injuries.
