You know that the season has finally arrived when you smell the freshly cut grass of a baseball field and hear that all too familiar crack of bat meeting ball. Cheering erupts as a smiling child rounds the bases and slides into home plate. But with all the fun of baseball and softball season comes the risk of mouth injury by a wild ball. This seems to be all too common during this time of year, quite possibly because unlike with football, mouth guards are not standard equipment for the sport. So first, as a mother and a dentist, let me recommend that players wear mouth protection. But if your child does have an accident, whether it is due to a baseball, bike, trampoline or anything else, here are some tips to help you cope.
First, remain calm! Tend to your child and assess the injury, making sure that there are no other serious problems that would require prompt medical attention.
If a tooth has been knocked out, look for the tooth or tooth pieces. Do not handle the tooth by the root portion but only the crown. The root is covered with cells that need to remain unharmed in order to reattach (only a permanent tooth can be reinserted). Rinse the tooth gently and if the possible, you may place it back into the socket. Do not worry it if it is backwards! A dentist can help to correct positioning. If this is not possible, place it in milk. Now see your dentist immediately! Time is of the essence in re-implanting teeth to achieve the best outcome. If this was a baby tooth, it should not be re-implanted but take it with your child to the dentist to be examined.
If the tooth was chipped or has been moved/loosened, contact my office as soon as possible for further instruction. Save any pieces that you find, as they can sometimes be bonded back on. We your child is able to be seen we will most likely need to take an X-Ray to be sure that there are no other problems with the tooth. A splint may be necessary if the tooth is very loose.
Just remember that all of this can be prevented if a mouth guard is worn. I recommend for our patients to use the Shock Doctor brand. They come in all kinds of "cool" colors so there's got to be a match for your child!
***Copyright 2014 Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry
If a tooth has been knocked out, look for the tooth or tooth pieces. Do not handle the tooth by the root portion but only the crown. The root is covered with cells that need to remain unharmed in order to reattach (only a permanent tooth can be reinserted). Rinse the tooth gently and if the possible, you may place it back into the socket. Do not worry it if it is backwards! A dentist can help to correct positioning. If this is not possible, place it in milk. Now see your dentist immediately! Time is of the essence in re-implanting teeth to achieve the best outcome. If this was a baby tooth, it should not be re-implanted but take it with your child to the dentist to be examined.
Just remember that all of this can be prevented if a mouth guard is worn. I recommend for our patients to use the Shock Doctor brand. They come in all kinds of "cool" colors so there's got to be a match for your child!
***Copyright 2014 Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry
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