Toddlers have got to be the most accident prone humans to ever live. You think you are clumsy? Spend the day with a two year old. Those little ones are so active; they are more prone to accidents, including pediatric dental trauma.
Primary Teeth & Their Role
Dental trauma is not the same for kids as it is for adults. Dental trauma to baby teeth could be minor, because hey they are just going to lose them anyways right? But it could also cause lasting trauma to the permanent teeth that follow.
The first set of teeth a child develops are called primary teeth. These teeth are very different from our permanent, secondary teeth. And for a good reason. Primary teeth are not only meant for normal eating and speaking functions. They act as placeholders for the secondary teeth that will one day take their place. Minor damage to primary teeth like fractures or chipping has little affect on the child’s dental future. If a tooth is dislodged or lost all together, there could be lasting problems.
Types of Trauma
There are hundreds of different scenarios that could lead to dental trauma in a child. Most commonly, the trauma is as a result of falls, traffic accidents, or sports. The impact of the accident can result in:
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Chipped or broken teeth
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Tooth loss
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Tooth death
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Dislodged teeth
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Teeth being pushed back up into the gum-line
What You Can Do
Chipped/Broken Teeth
Primary teeth that are chipped commonly require no treatment at all. However, the tooth can be filed down to smooth the surface. Fillings can also be added to restore the tooth to its original state. Along with your dentist, you can decide what is best for your child.
Lost Teeth
If a primary tooth is lost prematurely due to trauma, let your dentist know as soon as possible. An x-ray will be completed to make sure no fragment of the tooth was left behind, and to check for any damage to the permanent teeth. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it may lead to shifting of the permanent teeth. Your dentist will have to keep a close eye.
Dislodged Teeth
It is possible for baby teeth to become dislodged, but still remain in tact. Take your child to the dentist to check for infection and to judge the tooth’s health. If the dislodging was severe enough, the tooth may need extracting.
No need to worry, Eagle Rock Dental Care is here to help your family in these times of crisis. We know how stressful dental trauma can be. Our staff treats your family as if they were our own. Contact us with any of your questions or concerns and request your appointment online today!
