First aid for dental injuries in children: the essential guide

Dental injuries in children are common and can occur during play, sports activities or everyday accidents.

Knowing how to act quickly in the event of a dental emergency is crucial to protect your child’s oral health and prevent long-term complications. In this article, we will provide you with an essential guide to first aid for dental injuries in children, so that you can take appropriate action in the event of a dental emergency situation.

Common types of dental injuries in children

Dental injuries in children can vary in severity, but some of the most common include:

Fractured or chipped tooth

A child may fracture or chip a tooth due to a fall, a blow or biting on hard objects.

Avulsed tooth ( Knocked-Out Tooth)

Tooth avulsion is the knocked-out of a tooth from its socket, resulting in the loss of the tooth due to trauma.

Dislocated tooth and intruded tooth (knocked-out tooth)

A tooth can become displaced within the bone due to a strong impact, in any direction.

Soft tissue injuries

In addition to teeth, children can suffer injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as cuts or wounds to the lips, tongue or gums.

First-aid steps for dental injuries in children

It is essential to act quickly and calmly in the event of a dental injury to a child. Follow these first aid steps to provide proper care:

For broken or chipped teeth

1. Gently clean the child’s mouth with warm water to remove any dirt or food debris.
2. If your child experiences pain, you can administer an appropriate pain reliever according to your paediatrician’s instructions.
3. Save any tooth fragments you find and take them with you to the dentist in a container of saline, milk or saliva.
4. Make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible to assess the injury and determine the appropriate treatment.

For Avulsed Teeth ( Knocked-Out Teeth)

1. Find the avulsed tooth and hold it by the crown only, avoiding touching the root.
2. Do not clean the tooth.
3. Save the tooth in saline, milk or saliva.
4. Bring the child and the avulsed tooth immediately to the dental clinic, as the chances of saving the tooth after 2 hours diminish rapidly.

For dislocated teeth (displaced teeth)

1. Do not attempt to move the displaced tooth, as this may further damage the tooth structures.
2. Gently clean the child’s mouth with warm water to remove any dirt or food debris.
3. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
4. Bring the child in immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.

For soft tissue injuries

1. Gently clean the wound with warm water to remove dirt and stop bleeding.
2. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
3. If bleeding is heavy or the wound is severe, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Dental accidents and injuries can happen at any time, but knowing how to provide proper first aid can make a significant difference to your child’s oral health. Acting quickly and seeking professional care at the right time can save teeth, prevent infection and ensure a faster recovery. Remember to always schedule a visit with your dentist after any dental injury for a complete evaluation and appropriate treatment. With a combination of timely first aid and professional care, you can ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for your child throughout their life.

Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on 971 767 521.

Clinicas Udemax

At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team specialised in children’s and teenagers’ oral cases. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the bases of an adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.

It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.