Tooth injuries in children are more common than many families realize. A fall in the park, a collision while playing, a bump at school, or a sporting activity can result in a tooth injury. dental trauma which generates a lot of concern in just a few seconds.
At that moment, it's normal not to know what to do. Doubts arise about whether the tooth will fall out, whether it should be touched, whether it should be repositioned, or whether it's better to wait. However, in these types of situations, act well from the beginning can make a difference in the prognosis of the tooth.
In Asistencia Dental Plus, Your dental clinic in Valencia, we treat these types of patients. pediatric dental emergencies And we know that, in addition to the blow itself, what often causes the most anxiety is not knowing how to act in the first few minutes.
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What is considered a childhood dental trauma
A childhood dental trauma It is an injury that affects one or more teeth after a blow. It can cause anything from a small fracture or mild discomfort to tooth mobility, displacement of the tooth, or even complete tooth loss.
Furthermore, it's not always just the tooth that's affected. The gum, lip, tongue, or surrounding bone can also be injured. Therefore, even if it sometimes seems like a "minor" bump from the outside, it's important to have it carefully evaluated.
What to do right after a blow to a tooth
The first thing to do is stay calm and observe what exactly happened. If the child is very upset or crying a lot, it's normal that the area may not be properly assessed at first, but there are some basic steps you should follow.
Check for bleeding or wounds
If there is bleeding, a clean gauze pad can be applied to the area with gentle pressure. It is also advisable to check the lips, tongue, and gums for any wounds or swelling. If the blow was severe and there is also dizziness, loss of consciousness, vomiting, or suspicion of injury beyond the mouth, urgent medical evaluation is the priority.
Check if the tooth has broken, shifted, or come out completely
It is important to check if the piece:
- It has chipped or fractured
- It moves when you touch it.
- has changed position
- It looks "turned inwards" or displaced
- has completely gone off the rails
That detail helps a lot in determining the urgency and the type of action needed.
Look for the fragment or tooth, if it has fallen out
If a tooth has been knocked out or broken, it's a good idea to look for the missing piece or fragment. In some cases, it may be helpful to take it to the dentist for an evaluation. If the entire tooth has fallen out, it's crucial to determine whether it was a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. This distinction is essential.
What to do if a tooth breaks
When a piece of jewelry breaks, the first thing to do is not to underestimate it, even if it seems like just a small chip. Some fractures only affect the enamel, but others can reach deeper layers and require prompt evaluation.
If you find the fragment, keep it and take it to the dentist. In the meantime, it's best to prevent the child from biting on that side and see the dentist to check if the fracture is superficial or if the impact is more extensive than it appears.
What to do if a tooth moves or has changed position
If, after the blow, the tooth is loose, appears more recessed, protruding, or shifted to one side, it should not be manipulated at home. In these types of injuries, it is important for a professional to assess the tooth's position, the condition of the gum, and whether it is a primary or permanent tooth.
It's also not a good idea to ask the child to "try biting down" to see if they can tolerate it. The wisest course of action is to avoid putting pressure on that area and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What to do if the tooth falls out completely
Here's a very important difference:
If it's a baby tooth
A primary or baby tooth should not be reinserted. Clinical guidelines emphasize that avulsed primary teeth should not be reimplanted because it could damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.
If it's a permanent tooth
If the tooth is a permanent tooth and has come out completely, then it is a real emergency. The recommendations indicate that the tooth should be picked up by the crown, that is, the visible white part, without touching the root. If it is dirty, it should be gently rinsed with milk, saline solution, or saliva.
If it can be easily repositioned in the socket, it can be gently attempted; if not, it should be kept in milk, serum or saliva and you should go to the dentist as soon as possible.
Time greatly influences the prognosis of an avulsed permanent tooth, so it is not advisable to wait.
Mistakes to avoid after a dental injury
In these types of situations, there are some common mistakes that are best avoided:
- Do not touch or excessively manipulate a loose tooth
- Do not replace a fallen-out baby tooth at home
- not grasping a permanent tooth by the root
- Do not leave a permanent tooth dry or wrapped in paper
- don't wait several days “"Let's see if it gets better on its own"” when there is mobility, displacement or pain
- Don't think that if there isn't much pain, there's no need to check it.
These steps can influence the subsequent evolution of the tooth and the tissues surrounding it.
When should you go to the dentist as soon as possible?
After a childhood dental injury, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any of the following situations occur:
- the tooth has broken
- the piece moves
- the tooth has changed position
- has come out completely
- There is pain when biting
- There is significant bleeding or swelling in the gum.
- The child cannot close his mouth properly.
- suspicions that it may be an affected permanent tooth
Clinical guidelines recommend a early dental assessment to assess the true extent of the trauma and improve treatment and follow-up options.
Why it's important to check a dent even if it seems small
Not all childhood dental injuries cause noticeable problems from the outset. Sometimes the tooth appears fine, but over time discoloration, pain, sensitivity, or gum changes may develop.
In addition, with baby teeth it can also be important to check how the blow has affected the tooth and the surrounding tissues, precisely because underneath is the developing permanent tooth.
Therefore, even if the blow seems minor, a check-up can help detect injuries that are not always visible to the naked eye.
How a professional assessment can help
In consultation, the pediatric dentist The dentist can check if the trauma has affected only the visible part of the tooth or also its support, the gum, or deeper structures. They will also assess whether it is a primary or permanent tooth and what follow-up is needed in each case.
At Asistencia Dental Plus, in Valencia, we carry out an individualized assessment of each childhood dental trauma to guide families and act in the most appropriate way according to the type of blow and the affected tooth.
Knowing how to act is also part of taking care of your smile
A blow to a child's teeth generates nerves, doubts and a lot of worry, but having some basic guidelines clear can help to act more safely and quickly.
Furthermore, in Asistencia Dental Plus, At your dental clinic in Valencia, we work under rigorous clinical protocols and have the Certificate of Dental Excellence DentalQuality, a recognition that endorses our commitment to quality, prevention and personalized attention.
If your child has suffered a blow to a tooth, even if it seems minor, a dental check-up can help assess whether there is a fracture, mobility, displacement, or risk to the permanent tooth.
You can contact us at the 963 16 26 56 or request your appointment through our website contact. We would be delighted to assist you in taking care of your oral health with peace of mind and confidence.
