While we all wish for our children to have carefree and safe childhoods, accidents do happen. One common pediatric emergency is dental trauma, accounting for a significant number of emergency consultations at hospitals across the country. There are a few common types of dental trauma that every parent should be aware of. At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenging situations with ease and confidence. Curious to learn about different types of dental trauma? Call 888.339.8108 today to learn about our emergency orthodontics. We are here for you and your family.
What Is Pediatric Dental Trauma?
Pediatric dental trauma refers to injuries that affect a child’s mouth, including the teeth, lips, gums, tongue, and jaw. These injuries may occur from accidents such as:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Biting down on hard food
Understanding the different types of dental trauma can help you take quick action and potentially prevent long-term damage to your child’s oral health.
Types of Dental Trauma
There are several types of dental trauma that your child might experience:
Tooth Displacement
This occurs when a tooth is pushed out of its normal position, either inward, outward, or sideways. It’s a common result of falls or sports-related injuries.
Fractured Teeth
These can range from minor cracks on the surface (called “craze lines”) to severe fractures that reach the root of the tooth.
Avulsed Tooth (Knocked-Out Tooth)
This is one of the most severe types of dental trauma. Immediate action is needed to save the tooth.
Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into Jawbone)
Though less common, this type of trauma can cause significant damage to the developing teeth and jawbone.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These include lacerations or cuts to the tongue, cheeks, or lips.
Our emergency orthodontics can help with these types of dental trauma in kids.
What Is Emergency Orthodontics?
Emergency orthodontics refers to immediate care provided by an orthodontist to address urgent issues affecting the teeth, mouth, or braces. This level of care is designed to reduce long-term consequences due to trauma or other dental emergencies.
At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we offer emergency orthodontic treatment for kids. Our team is committed to providing the care that your child needs as quickly and comfortably as possible. We also understand how stressful an emergency dental visit can be, which is why our compassionate staff takes the time to listen.
How to Treat Dental Trauma in Children
The first step in treating pediatric dental trauma is to remain calm. Your reaction can significantly influence your child’s anxiety levels. Next, contact a dental professional immediately. While waiting for professional help:
- For a displaced or avulsed tooth, try to reposition the tooth in its socket gently (without touching the root), and have your child bite down on a clean cloth to keep it in place.
- For a fractured tooth, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- For soft tissue injuries, clean the area with warm water and apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
Call Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Now
Taking care of your child’s teeth is a critical part of their overall health. However, despite our best efforts, pediatric dental trauma can occur. We are here to help.
At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re more than just dental professionals. We’re a team dedicated to providing expert care for your child’s oral health. We understand the fear and anxiety that come with dental trauma, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact us now by calling us at 888.339.8108 or by completing our online form.
