1. Definition
What is dental trauma?
This guide covers injuries to the teeth (usually the front). Often times, the only sores you notice are the ones bleeding from the gums. Teeth become slightly loose. These small sores usually heal within 3 days. The next common injury is a misplaced tooth (usually pushed in). It usually returns to its normal position within a few weeks without any treatment. Cracked teeth need to be examined by a dentist. A permanent tooth that is pushed out (avulsed) is an emergency.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Signs and symptoms include:
- Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing or constant. In some people, pain only occurs when pressure is placed on the teeth.
- Swelling around the teeth.
- Fever or headache.
- Bad taste of infected teeth.
2. How to fix it
What should I do?
Although primary teeth cannot be replaced successfully, permanent teeth need to be put back into place as soon as possible. The best results occur when the tooth is replaced within 15 minutes. After 2 hours have passed, the placement will be of no use. Ideally, the teeth should be put back in their place in the event of an accident:
- Clean your teeth with saliva or water.
- Put it back in place the right way.
- Press the tooth down with your thumb until the top of the tooth is the same as the other tooth.
- Bite on the cloth to stabilize the teeth until you get to the dentist's office.
Home Care for Dental Trauma
Unless this increases the pain, apply a piece of ice to the injured gum. If you are still sick, take acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If there are loose teeth, eat soft foods for 3 days. When the teeth come out of their normal position, try to reposition them with light pressure using your fingers. If the tooth is broken and dental care cannot be done immediately, temporarily cover it with melted wax. A delay of several days will lead to infection.
When should I see a doctor?
Go to the dentist immediately if:
- Permanent teeth pushed out
- Most of the teeth were cut
- You can see a red dot on the cracked tooth
- Severe pain
- Bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure (for bleeding due to missing teeth, bite the gauze)
- The teeth are pushed out of their original positions.
Check with your dentist if:
- The baby's teeth had been pushed out due to trauma
- A small portion of the tooth fell off
- You can see the crack lines on the teeth
- Teeth are sensitive to cold fluids
- Teeth tend to be looser
- New symptoms appear
- Teeth become sensitive to hot or cold fluids during the following week
- Darker colored teeth
3. Prevention
Prevent dental trauma by wearing a mouth guard during exercise.
