Blog | Page 17 of 19 | West Maitland Dentistry

It is common for children to have injuries while growing up. It is even more common for the trauma to happen in their mouth or on their teeth. The treatment for the tooth depends on the amount of damage done to the tooth. This week’s post we will go over different types of trauma and what to do when it happens.

Fractures from Trauma

trauma

Fractures are the most common problems that kids have after a trauma to the teeth. The fractures can be small where a simple composite resin, known as tooth-colored filling, can cover the area. If the fracture is small enough this can be the permanent option. These tooth-colored fillings may need to be redone in the future though as your child’s teeth color and shape change with age and time.

The fracture can expose the pulp of the tooth, leading to a need for more complex treatment. The pulp of the tooth is the layer of the tooth that holds its blood vessels and the nerves. If the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your child’s mouth it can become infected and may need a root canal and crown to save the tooth. Even if the pulp isn’t exposed just the trauma itself can do enough damage to the pulp where a root canal will still be needed.

Knocked-Out of Position

If your child has an injury and you notice the tooth is no longer in alignment with the rest of the teeth call your dentist immediately. They can move it back into position and often times the ligaments that hold your tooth in place can reattach to the tooth. A root canal may be needed so your child may be sent to an endodontic specialist to evaluate the tooth’s vitality.

After your dentist places the tooth back into the position he or she may need to splint the teeth together. They will anchor the displaced tooth to the teeth next to it to give the tooth stability while the ligaments and bone reattach.

A Tooth that is Completely Out

When your child has a severe blow to the face sometimes the tooth can completely come out of the mouth.

Baby Teeth

If the tooth is a baby tooth do not try to place it back in. These teeth are not replaced since the adult tooth is typically underneath. It is important to still make an appointment with your dentist. If the tooth is out prematurely, a space maintainer may be necessary to keep room for the permanent tooth to come in.

Permanent Teeth

If it is a permanent tooth do not throw away it away! Most of the time these teeth can be saved with a little TLC. Gently rinse any dirt or debris off the tooth with water or milk. Do not scrape or scrub it since there are still the periodontal ligaments attached to it. These fibers are important in aiding the tooth to integrate back into the mouth. After the debris is rinsed off gently place it back in the socket as soon as possible and call your dentist to make an appointment. When placing the tooth back in, handle it only by the crown of the tooth, not the root. The crown of the tooth is the top of the tooth that is usually visible in the mouth. The root is the bottom layer of the tooth that isn’t visible and is usually under the bone.

Don’t be forceful when trying to place the tooth back in the socket. If the tooth does not easily go back in, place it in one of the following: saline solution (saltwater), milk or saliva. Water is not a great option. If there is no milk or saline solution available and the child is old enough not to accidentally swallow the tooth, they may hold it in their check if the dentist’s office is a short distance away. You may also wrap it in a wet napkin to ensure it stays moist. Do not use a dry napkin.

If your dentist can place the tooth back into its socket within an hour there is a good chance for survival. They will still assess the need for a root canal or splint.

Trauma Take Home Points

Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to minimize the risk of damage to teeth.
Correct your child’s bite with orthodontics. It has been shown that kids that have protruding teeth that are flared out are more likely to have damage to their teeth.
Call your dentist as soon as any trauma occurs to your child’s tooth. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible will give you the best chance of saving your child’s teeth.
Place ice packs in the area of the trauma to help reduce pain and swelling.
If your dentist cannot see you immediately and the chip is small, place orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum in the area to cover up any sharp edges.
Try to get your child to avoid forming habits of chewing on hard substances like ice, hard candies and pencils.

Accidents happen but follow these tips to help make sure your child has the best chance to keep their teeth! Ask us how Dr. D can make a custom sports mouth guard for your child to help prevent some of these injuries!

At West Maitland Dentistry, we celebrate National Children’s Health Month by sharing knowledge about a common problem that most new parents don’t even realize! Baby bottle tooth decay is a totally preventable disease, so this week we’re highlighting what it is and what actions you can implement to prevent it!

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and How Does it Happen?

Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when an infant or young child get cavities. These cavities are usually found in the upper teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth. This decay occurs when the child drinks liquids over a long period of time. Most drinks have sugars in them, whether natural like those in milk, or artificially found like in juices and sodas. When a child drinks through a bottle over a long period of time these sugars rest on the child’s tooth. Bacteria in the mouth digest these sugars and then excrete acid. The acid secreted than causes the teeth to decay, eventually becoming cavities.

Who is Most Likely to Get Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

When infants drink milk, juices or sodas during naps or bedtime they become more susceptible since the sugars remain on their teeth. Also when we sleep our saliva rates decrease making it harder for those sugars to be rinsed off the teeth.
Babies using pacifiers dipped in sugar or syrup are also susceptible to this disease.
Children who don’t have adequate fluoride in their diet are more likely to get baby bottle tooth decay.
Finally, when a parent shares saliva with their baby, the bacteria from their saliva gets transferred to their baby, making it easier for the baby to get cavities.

How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

The good news is that baby bottle tooth decay is totally preventable! Here are some easy tips to prevent your child from getting cavities:

Don’t leave your child with a bottle during naps or bedtimes.
Have your infant finish their bottles before bedtime.
Avoid sugary drinks in their bottles, like juice and sodas. Stick to milk, breast milk or formula when giving your child a bottle.
Start your child in the habit brushing by cleaning their gums with a wet washcloth to wipe down excess milk after each feeding.
Brush baby teeth after each night time meal. Brush with a small smear of toothpaste (think the size of a rice grain) until the age of 3, from 3 to 6/7 use a small pea-sized amount. Supervise your child to make sure they don’t swallow excess fluoride.
Test well water to ensure your child is getting adequate fluoride in their diet.
Do not dip your child’s pacifier in any sugar, honey or sugary substances before giving it to them.
Do not clean your child’s pacifier by using your own mouth.
spoons with your child, even if testing their food, use a separate utensil.
Encourage your child to drink out of a cup by their first birthday.

We recommend bringing your child to their dentist after the appearance of their first tooth. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dhaliwal to discuss any questions you have about your child’s oral health. Remember that early healthy habits lead to lifelong healthy teeth!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and we’re starting off the month by answering some common questions patients have about their child’s oral health.

When do my baby’s first teeth come in?

Every child is different and the timing of when teeth erupt vary from child to child. Most of the time we’re not as worried about timing but more importantly which tooth comes out first. Babies typically get their first tooth at 6 months but some can get them as early as 3 or 4 months while some as late as 18 months. What we look for is that the bottom front two teeth come out first. The teeth often come out in pairs with their matching counterpart. Use this handy chart to see when your babies next tooth should be coming in!

healthy

Why is it important to keep baby teeth healthy and fix cavities on them if they’re coming out?

We get this question all the time, parents want to know if the tooth is going to fall out anyway why should cavities be fixed. We discussed in an early blog that cavities are bacteria that invade the tooth. It is the same for a baby tooth. The only exception is that the bacteria moves faster since the teeth have less enamel and are smaller. We want to stop the spread of the cavity before it reaches the nerve. This will prevent your child from having any pain, swelling or spread of the infection.

It is important for the teeth to stay in place until they are ready to come out on their own. Premature removal of baby teeth can cause other teeth to shift. Shifting of teeth can make it harder for the permanent tooth underneath to come in straight. Since baby teeth act as place holders for the permanent tooth, keeping them in as long as possible will help decrease the chance your child will need braces!

When should I start brushing their teeth?

healthy

It’s never too early to start cleaning your child’s mouth! Even before your baby gets his or her first tooth it is a good idea to start the habit of cleaning their mouth.

For a baby with no teeth, you can use a wet washcloth and clean off the plaque from their gums and tongue. This will get them used to having something in their mouth and will help you establish the habit.

Once they get their first tooth you can use a wet, small, soft toothbrush and gently clean their teeth. When the teeth start touching you can start introducing floss. Continue flossing for them until they learn it for themselves. Try to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Most children will need help in making sure all the plaque is brushed off. Don’t be afraid to get in there and get your hands dirty!

When should kids start using toothpaste?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you start using a very tiny smear of toothpaste twice a day once your child’s baby teeth are present. Once your child can spit after they brush, typically ages 3-6, you can use a pea-sized amount. Remember to get them to spit out the extra fluoride-containing toothpaste!

healthy

When should I take my child to the dentist?

Some experts say two but the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends as soon as their first tooth comes in and no later than 1 year old. When deciding to bring in your child to have a discussion first with your dentist. He or she can determine their risks for cavities and can steer you in the right direction of how early to bring them.

Is it a problem my child sucks on a pacifier or their thumb?

A pacifier is a great soother for infants but used for an extended time can affect your child’s bite. We recommend having your child stop by age 3 and usually most children will do this on their own. If your child continues to suck their thumb or a pacifier for long lengths of times (think hours) than they can force their front teeth apart to where they don’t even touch! If your child has a hard time giving up this habit after the age of 3 then there are appliances that can be put in their mouth to force them to stop sucking.

For more information about your child’s health make an appointment for them to come to visit Dr. Dhaliwal or check out http://www.aapd.org and get the latest updates and recommendations!

Newer Posts

Older Posts

West Maitland Dentistry Blog

Trauma to Your Child’s Tooth, What To Do Next?

Fractures from Trauma

Knocked-Out of Position

A Tooth that is Completely Out

Baby Teeth

Permanent Teeth

Trauma Take Home Points

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and How Does it Happen?

Who is Most Likely to Get Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids

When do my baby’s first teeth come in?

Why is it important to keep baby teeth healthy and fix cavities on them if they’re coming out?

When should I start brushing their teeth?

When should kids start using toothpaste?

When should I take my child to the dentist?

Is it a problem my child sucks on a pacifier or their thumb?

Free Take-Home Whitening Kit

Social Media