June 21st was the official start date of summer. As the temperatures rise and the bikes come out, so do bumps and bruises for active kids. These are the top 3 injuries we see increase during the summer months along with recommendations from Dr. Melissa on how to respond:
- Tooth bumped loose: When a front tooth gets bumped, it can become loose but stay in its place without breaking. You’ll sometimes see a line of red along the gum-line. If all else looks well and there are no signs of a concussion, there is usually no treatment necessary. Use an icepack (a frozen bag of veggies works in a pinch) to help keep swelling down, cut up foods to avoid using the front teeth, and call your pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment for an exam and x-ray.
- Tooth moved out of place: If a tooth gets moved out of place – forward, backward, in or slightly out – it is a more serious event and the tooth may need immediate attention, especially if it’s a permanent tooth. For teeth that are moved backward, forward or slightly out, try to use finger pressure to get it back into its place and see your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The tooth may have to be splinted – held in place with a braces-like wire – to keep it in place for healing. If the tooth is moved into the jaw, do not try to reposition it on your own as the treatment and outcome for baby teeth and permanent teeth are different. Instead, see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Fractured tooth: Balls, bats, and falls can fracture teeth. When a tooth breaks, the treatment depends on how far into the tooth the fracture has gone. If you can see any pink or red spots in the fracture, the nerve has been exposed and needs treatment right away. Any other fractures can usually be treated with a white filling material to help protect the nerve and restore esthetics. If your child experiences pain with hot or cold, it is important to get them to your pediatric dentist for treatment.
Remember that having your children use a sports mouthguard whenever there’s a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces is the best smile protection for fun in the sun!
Keep on brushing!