According to statistics 35 million kids between the ages of 5 to 18 play organized sports each year. With sports comes injuries–1.35 million youths get injured playing sports annually, and 7 percent of those injuries are in the face. In fact, damage to the top two front teeth accounts for 90% of sports related injuries. If your child’s teeth get injured during sports Dr. Brad Greenfield of Lake Orion Family Dentistry explains what to do.
If Your Child’s Teeth Get Injured
Do you know what to do if your child’s teeth are injured while playing sports? Take the following steps to help save your child’s tooth and avoid future pain and expense.
- If the tooth has been knocked out find it and save it. A common misconception is that a knocked out tooth cannot be saved, but it can.
- The tooth needs to be stored in one of three ways within 15 minutes to keep the roots alive:
- Try to place the tooth back into the socket and have your child gently bite down on a tea bag, gauze, a clean wet cloth, or cotton ball to keep it in place.
- Place the tooth into a container of milk, water will not work.
- Have your child tuck the tooth between their cheek and gum.
- If the tooth is not replaced into the socket, control the bleeding by applying pressure to the gum where the tooth was lost using a clean wet cloth, gauze, tea bag, or cotton ball, and apply ice to control the swelling.
Research shows that dental related sports injuries can be reduced by wearing a facemask, helmet, and/or a custom-fitted mouth guard. Research indicates that orofacial sports injuries that are left untreated can result in chronic pain, emotional trauma, and tens of thousands of dollars in future financial costs. Don’t wait if your child loses their two front teeth. After following the above steps contact your dentist immediately.
About Your Lake Orion Family Dentist
To learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brad Greenfield, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at 248-693-6213. We welcome patients living in and around Lake Orion, Royal Oak.
