ARTICLES TO READ

AT WHAT AGE DO MOST ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE MOUTH OCCUR?

Most accidents occur between the ages of one and three years, when the child is learning to walk, run and move independently. Common accidents include falling in the bath tub, against chairs, coffee tables, and down steps. The most common mouth injuries at this age include bleeding gums, cut lips, loosened, knocked out, discolored and fractured teeth. Try to child proof you home, especially during those ages, to try to decrease the injuries.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD INJURES THEIR MOUTH?

If a severe injury occurs and it involves not only the mouth but the child head, consider calling 911. If the injury just involves the mouth, it is important to contact your dentist or pediatric dentist as soon as possible for further instructions. Even injuries that appear to be minor can potentially affect the developing permanent tooth. Bleeding can usually be controlled by applying constant pressure with gauze or a washcloth. It is a good idea to keep your dentist's phone number by the phone along with other important numbers.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD KNOCKS OUT A TOOTH?

If your child sustains a facial or jaw injury, see your dentist immediately. If you child's tooth is knocked out, rinse it in cool water. Do not scrub it and only handle the tooth by the crown, not the root! If possible, put the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place for five minutes. If this cannot be done, put the tooth in a cup of milk or water, or wrap it in a wet cloth. Take the child and the tooth to the dentist AT ONCE! Your dentist may be able to replant the tooth. In many cases, teeth that are replaced in the mouth within 30 minutes reattach themselves to the jaw and function normally.

American Dental Association