Dental trauma can happen to anyone, from a newly walking toddler to a weekend warrior on the basketball court. Knowing what to do in the moment can help stabilize an injury and, in some cases, save a tooth.
The mouth is the second most commonly injured area of the body, and about a third of adults have experienced trauma to a permanent tooth at some point in their lives. Among school-age children, roughly twenty-five percent have experienced a dental injury at school, with basketball the leading cause. Whatever the injury, a prompt evaluation from your dentist is always the right next step.
One of the most common traumatic dental injuries is a tooth fracture. This can range from a small chip at the edge of a tooth to a larger break that exposes the nerve. If a fragment has broken off, look for it and, if found, place it in milk to keep it hydrated until it can be evaluated. Fragments can sometimes become embedded in the lip or tongue, so a gentle mouth rinse can help clear away debris. A clean towel or gauze pressed firmly against the area will help control any bleeding. Depending on the severity of the fracture, seeing your dentist promptly can ease discomfort and help with the long-term survival of the tooth.
The single best way to prevent these injuries is a well-fitting mouthguard for any child playing contact sports. Over-the-counter options from a local sporting goods store work well for many kids; look for one that is sized appropriately and, ideally, moldable with hot water for a more secure fit. This style is especially helpful for children who still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. For families wanting the closest possible fit, a custom mouthguard made from a dental scan or model offers the best protection, though at a higher cost. This is more ideal for our teenagers with all their adult teeth.
In a future article, I will cover what to do when a tooth is displaced or knocked out completely.
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