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Children's Dental Emergencies
A Parent's Guide to Chips, Fractures and Tooth Avulsions By Shannon McKelden
Replacing an avulsed primary (baby) tooth is not recommended, but loss of a primary tooth is no less important than that of a permanent tooth. Primary teeth serve as "placeholders" for incoming permanent teeth, maintaining proper spacing in the mouth before permanent teeth come in.
Also, the underlying permanent tooth may have been injured by the impact at the time of the accident, so it is just as important to have that checked out. Close monitoring may be necessary to ensure the permanent tooth did not sustain damage.
"Parents can help prevent primary tooth injuries by 'tooth-proofing' the home for babies,"Dr. Vann says. Tooth-proofing can include covering the edges of fireplace hearths and coffee tables with foam or removing them entirely, if possible, until toddlers are steadier on their feet. Also, removing objects that may trip a wobbly walker can contribute to dental safety.
In older children, playing sports is a frequent cause of tooth injuries, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry "Fast Facts" states that "nearly 75 percent of oral trauma in athletes occurs when they are not wearing mouth guards."
Both Drs. Vann andLandgrenagree that mouth guards are essential for any child participating in sports. Options for mouth guards include preformed mouth guards found in sports stores. But custom-made mouth guards can be obtained from your pediatric dentist.
"Head injuries, lacerations requiring sutures and fractured arms/legs need to be addressed first," Dr. Vann says. Dr. Landren adds that jaw fractures or severe facial trauma should be evaluated by an oral surgeon or appropriate medical personnel. The overall health of the child has priority over the health of teeth.
