Dental Traumas

Dental Traumas

What we should know about traumas of milk teeth

The moment our children stand up on their own and take their first step stays in our memory as an unforgettable moment. Even if many families forget the firsts in development of their children, no parents easily forget where and when the first step was taken. Actually, this is the beginning of a great change for both them and their parents. Babies learn how to take their first steps and walk struggling along. It would be very unfair for them to expect them to sit in a corner quietly while there are many things around waiting for them to be explored. Of course, every fall will be an experience during these explorations and it may be a necessity for learning. However, these falls mean increased risk for a trauma to face or teeth. Especially traumas to the milk teeth which were just erupted in babyhood may cause unwanted problems due to their close contact with the permanent teeth right under the milk teeth. Traumas to the teeth in these ages may cause dislocations of permanent teeth or discolorations due to infections, depending on the severity of the trauma.If we take a look at the problems caused by traumas to the teeth briefly;- Simple enamel fracture or in the front teeth cutting edge- Gum, palate or lip injuries and cuts as a result of trauma- Complicated fractures of teeth involving enamel or deeper tissues- Burial of teeth inside the jaw bone- Total dislocation of the teethEven a small trauma to the teeth may cause serious problems later even if it does not occur by that time. Therefore, it is to your benefit to consult a dentist after such traumas. Emergent applications that can be done when you cannot reach your dentist for not wasting time are;In order to stop the bleeding that may occur in these injuries depending to its severity, putting a sterile tampon – not cotton- and pressurizing until the bleeding stops would be useful. Cold compression to the area after stopping the bleeding (in order to prevent a possible edema). If the teeth located forward or backwards due to the trauma, relocation of the teeth to its ideal position by slightly pushing it after washing your hands. If a tooth is broken and totally went out, you should keep it in a glass of water and consult a dentist immediately.

In order to prevent dental traumas;

- Avoid using baby-walkers- Take precautions at home for sharp edged scaffold, table and other furniture- Avoid wheeled vehicles (bike, paten etc) until they learn how to maintain balance totally- Educate your children about not to hit each other’s face and teeth while playing and how to play without pushing each other- Playing on a smooth and soft floor as much as possible- Take precautions while playing in parks, swingers- Use the stairs for entering and getting out of the pools- If their ages are older and they do sports, take precautions such as mouth guard or helmet