What is the Most Common Type of Dental Trauma in Kids?

What is the Most Common Type of Dental Trauma in Kids?

February 1, 2022

It’s a fact that childhood and adolescence are when the teeth develop. As the body grows, the teeth may be subject to trauma from chewing on hard objects or from falls and injuries to the face. After dental cavities, dental traumas are the second reason children visit the dentist.

What is a Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma is an injury to the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. Dental trauma can result in fractured teeth, lacerations of the tongue and lips, and damage to the palate.

The risk of pediatric dental trauma is high when the child walks. They often lose balance and can fall and hurt their mouth and gums. Playing too rough can also cause the children to develop traumas.

Dental trauma manifests differently and affects the mouth in varying degrees. Trauma causes minor or severe dental symptoms and can cause complications if left untreated.

Why Do Kids Get Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma is one of the most prevalent yet preventable dental emergencies. Over 330,000 children are admitted to hospital emergency departments each year to treat traumatic dental injuries.

The most common cause of injury is falling, followed by chewing on ice or other objects that can chip or fracture teeth, biting into hard food, and sports-related injuries. A sharp object such as a pencil eraser can damage your teeth.

What Are the Types of Dental Trauma?

The different types of dental traumas include:

  • Knocked-out teeth

The difference between a knocked-out tooth and a broken tooth is that a fractured tooth will have sharp, jagged edges. An avulsed tooth dislodges from the socket. It’s essential to make sure your child wears a helmet when playing sports or participating in other activities that pose a risk of injury.

  • Toothache

This type of dental trauma occurs when a tooth has been traumatized by an object introduced into the mouth. If a dental trauma results in a toothache, it is essential to visit a dentist as soon as possible after the dental trauma occurs.

  • Cavities

Dental cavities occur when plaque builds up in the teeth and cause tiny holes. These carries can lead to decay and eventually tooth loss.

What Are the Symptoms of Dental Trauma?

Parents can prevent dental trauma in children by checking the symptoms. However, dental injuries aren’t always easy to spot. Some dental traumas may not cause any visible signs or symptoms of damage.

That’s why parents need to be familiar with the dental trauma symptoms and signs so they can identify an injury right away. Some common dental trauma symptoms and signs include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Cracked teeth
  • Swelling
  • Teeth that are loosened or pushed out of position

If your child experiences these dental trauma symptoms, seek dental care right away. Prompt dental treatment can help minimize damage and prevent further injury.

What is Dental Trauma Treatment?

A dentist should examine the mouth and tooth injuries, especially loose or damaged teeth. Adjacent teeth may also be injured and not always visible until discovered during a dental exam.

  • A tooth-colored filling may rebuild the lost portion of a tooth that has been chipped or fractured. If a large part of the crown has been destroyed, an artificial crown or cap may be provided.
  • You may require a root canal if the pulp is infected. For children under 12 years, root canal treatment might not be necessary since their teeth are still developing. The dentist will watch them closely to see if further care is required.
  • A dental extraction is an option for individuals experiencing significant pain or severe infection risk. Dislodged (luxated) teeth require restoration by the dentist and perhaps root canal therapy.
  • You should replace knocked-out teeth (avulsed) quickly. If you visit your dentist or an endodontist right away, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to save the tooth; any longer, and the possibilities become considerably less.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit UR Smile Dental Group for more information about dental trauma and what you can expect.

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