Accidents happen!

The reality is that accidents can have quite serious consequences for our teeth. But the good news is that much of the trauma of dental injury can be minimised if you know what precautions to take and what to do in the unfortunate event you suffer damage to your teeth. Early and prompt treatment improves the prognosis of the treatment significantly.

If you play sports (this also applies to children and teenagers), it is highly advisable to  get a custom-fitted mouthguard made by your dentist to minimise the chance of any damage resulting in the first place.

In case of DENTAL INJURY, you should:

• Keep calm and handle the injury carefully
• If there’s bleeding, bite on a gauze or cotton roll to stop it
• Follow the different situations below
• Consult a dentist immediately

What to do if a BABY TOOTH is knocked out?
If a baby tooth is knocked out, it should NOT be put back. This will harm the underlying permanent tooth.

What to do if a PERMANENT TOOTH is knocked out?
1. Find the tooth.
2. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part). Do NOT touch the root (the yellow part).
3. Place it in a cup of milk or saline ASAP to keep it alive. When milk or saline are not available, place the tooth in the child’s mouth (between the cheeks and gums).
4. Seek a dentist immediately.
5. Do NOT attempt to clean the tooth yourself even if it’s dirty
6. Do NOT wrap in tissue paper

What to do if a tooth is fractured?
1. Find the fractured piece, if possible.
2. See your dentist as soon as possible for management.

What to do if a tooth is mobile or displaced?
1. If you are unsure, do not try to move the tooth.
2. Ask the patient to close the mouth and bring the teeth together carefully and slowly, if possible.
3. See a dentist immediately.

Further information: https://www.iadt-dentaltrauma.org/for-patients.html