1. What should you do immediately after a dental injury?
When a child injures a tooth, the parents’ immediate response is crucial. Follow these steps:
- Check the condition of the tooth: Look to see whether it is broken or displaced and whether there is bleeding.
- Manage the bleeding: Gently apply clean gauze or cloth to the area, pressing for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the area: Rinse the child’s mouth with lukewarm water to remove any blood or debris.
- Remain calm: Reassure the child and explain that you will take care of them immediately.
If the injury appears serious, contact the paediatric dentist to arrange an immediate visit.
2. Injury to a permanent or primary tooth: what should you look out for?
It is important to recognise whether the injury involves a permanent or primary tooth, as management may differ:
- Primary teeth: If the tooth has moved or broken, consult the paediatric dentist immediately. Primary teeth play an important role in proper jaw development and in preserving space for the permanent teeth.
- Permanent teeth: If the injury involves a permanent tooth, it is critical to act immediately. Damage to permanent teeth can have long-term consequences and therefore needs prompt treatment.
An examination by the paediatric dentist will help determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate treatment plan.
3. When should you visit the paediatric dentist?
A visit to the paediatric dentist is necessary in the following cases:
- There is heavy bleeding that does not stop after several minutes of pressure.
- The tooth is broken, displaced or has come completely out of its socket.
- The child complains of severe pain or sensitivity, even if the tooth appears intact.
- The tooth changes colour or shows signs of infection, such as swelling or pus.
An early visit to the paediatric dentist can save the injured tooth and prevent further complications. At our practice, we prioritise emergencies to provide immediate care and relief.
4. What should you do if the tooth has come completely out of its socket (avulsion)?
When a tooth comes completely out of its socket, this is an emergency that requires immediate action. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth: Hold it by the crown, the upper part, and avoid touching the root.
- Rinse the tooth: If it is dirty, rinse it gently with lukewarm water or saline. Do not use soap or a brush to clean it.
- Try to put it back in place: If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and ask the child to bite gently on clean gauze to hold it in position.
- If you cannot reinsert it: Place the tooth in a container of milk or saline. If neither is available, keep it inside the child’s mouth, between the cheek and gum, so that it remains moist.
- Call the paediatric dentist immediately: The tooth should be reinserted within 30 minutes to increase the chance of success.
Fast action and transporting the tooth correctly are critical to successful treatment.
Table: Tooth survival guide—do’s and don’ts 🦷
| YES ✅ (saves the tooth) | NO ❌ (damages the tooth) |
|---|---|
| Hold the white part (crown) | Hold the root |
| Rinse with cold milk or saliva | Rinse with tap water or alcohol |
| Store in milk or inside the mouth | Store in a paper tissue (it dries out) |
| Put it back in place immediately | Rub or brush the root |
5. Possible treatments for dental trauma
Treatment depends on the severity of the damage and the type of tooth. The paediatric dentist may recommend:
- Repairing cracked or broken teeth: A broken tooth can be restored with composite materials that imitate its natural appearance.
- Treating displaced teeth: A tooth that has moved from its natural position can be repositioned and stabilised with a splint.
- Treatment for extensive damage: Serious injuries such as avulsion or root fractures may require specialist treatment, including root canal treatment or even extraction.
- Monitoring: Even if the tooth initially appears intact, monitoring may be required to make sure that problems such as discolouration or infection do not develop.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to preserve the function and appearance of the injured tooth.
6. Our approach at our dental practice for children in Glyfada
At our practice, we prioritise immediate specialist care for injured teeth, offering personalised solutions for every case.
- Rapid response: We treat emergencies immediately.
- Expertise and technology: We use modern techniques and materials.
- Friendly approach: We focus on creating a friendly, safe environment.
- Ongoing monitoring: We provide regular checks after treatment.
7. How to prevent dental injuries in the future
Prevention is key to reducing the risk of dental injury. Here are some ways to protect your child’s teeth:
- Use sports mouthguards: If the child participates in sport.
- Teach safe activities: Explain the importance of taking care.
- Prevent falls at home: Make sure that spaces are safe.
9. Conclusion: the importance of early care for dental injuries
Dental injuries are common in children, but with immediate and correct treatment they can be fully restored. Prompt action by parents, together with specialist care from the paediatric dentist, reduces the risk of long-term problems.
10. Book an appointment with us today
At our practice, we understand parents’ anxiety when a dental injury occurs and provide immediate specialist care. We use modern techniques and create a friendly environment where the child feels safe.
Call us today to arrange your visit or receive immediate guidance. Our team is here to help you at every step, ensuring that your child quickly returns to everyday life with a healthy smile.
