Injuries to the mouth may
include teeth that are knocked out (evulsed), forced
out of position (extruded) or broken (fractured). Sometimes
lips, gums or cheeks have cuts. Oral injuries are often
painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon
as possible.
Permanent Tooth That is Knocked Out:
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse
the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental
floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT clean
or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it
in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place
by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert
the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk
or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical
factor in saving the tooth.
Extruded Teeth:
If the tooth is pushed out of place (inward or outward),
it should be repositioned to its normal alignment with
very light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into
the socket. Hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue
or gauze. Again, it is vital that the injured individual
be seen by a dentist within 30 minutes.
How a fractured tooth is treated will depend on how
badly it is broken. Regardless of the damage, treatment
should always be determined by a dentist.
Minor Fracture:
Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist with
a sandpaper disc or simply left alone. Another option
is to restore the tooth with a composite restoration.
In either case, you should treat the tooth with care
for several days.
Moderate Fracture:
Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin,
and/or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged,
the tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown.
If pulpal damage does occur further dental treatment
will be required.
Severe Fracture:
Severe fractures often mean a traumatized tooth with
a slim chance of recovery.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheeck:
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply
firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes and if it
cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child
to a hospital emergency room. |
