Heart Health: Don't Neglect Dental Care

If your child has experienced and oral injury during athletic competition and they have a dislodged or knocked out an adult tooth, you want to see an endodontist. This is a specialist who can help to save your child's tooth, and help them maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime.

You have to act quickly after the accident. As you wait to get in for your appointment, there are a few things you want to keep in mind.

Caring for the Injury

It's important to preserve the tooth so that it heals within its socket. If the tooth is still attached, put it back in its proper position without damaging the root. Don't touch the root of the tooth at all, this could compromise it. You want to keep the tooth wet in water or milk, and keep the mouth wet. Seek immediate dental attention after the injury.

If the face is swollen or your child is in a great deal of pain, ice the area an give an over the counter anti-inflammatory or pain medication.

Choosing an Emergency Dentist

Any dentist is better than not getting treatment at the time of the injury, and you want to get into a dentist as quickly as possible.  If there is an emergency dentist that isn't an endodontics specialist, they can treat your child to help preserve the tooth.

If you can't find a dental office, a local medical center may have a dental professional on staff.  After your emergency appointment, you want to schedule a follow up appointment with a specialist who is experienced and highly trained to deal with tooth loss or displacement.

Preventing Future Problems

To prevent this problem from reoccurring, you want to have your child custom fitted for a protective mouth guard. The mouth guard can help prevent tooth evulsion, damage, and a variety of other oral injuries during practice or competition. A custom fitting piece from a dental professional will be comfortable and reliable.

Don't wait to seek medical treatment if your child has a tooth that is wiggling around, that is moved, or that has fallen out. As time passes and you don't get treatment, the lower your chances will be to save the tooth, and then your child will need to have a tooth replacement option inserted. You should always have the contact information of an emergency dentist on hand, just in case something like an injury occurs.