Dental avulsions are most commonly observed in children aged 7 to 9 years, a time when their coordination is developing and they’re more prone to falls and accidents.Studies have suggested that avulsion injuries account for 0.5% to 16% of all dental injuries in children.
Tooth Fracture Tooth fractures in children can range from minor chips to severe fractures that affect the tooth's nerve. Unlike avulsions, fractured teeth may not always be completely detached from the mouth but can cause significant discomfort and require immediate dental attention to prevent infection, further damage, or loss of the tooth.
Dental Abscesses Dental abscesses form when there is an accumulation of pus due to an infection in the tooth or gum. In children, abscesses can result from untreated dental cavities, injuries, or prior dental work. These infections can be extremely painful and may lead to swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.
Lost Fillings or Crowns Though less common in children than in adults, lost fillings or crowns constitute a dental emergency when they occur. This situation may arise from ongoing decay or damage to the tooth structure surrounding a filling or crown, often exacerbated by eating sticky or hard foods. The loss of a filling or crown can lead to discomfort due to exposure of the underlying damaged tooth, and it necessitates prompt dental treatment to restore the protective covering of the tooth, thereby preventing further decay or damage.
Physical trauma stands as the leading cause of tooth avulsion in children, encompassing a variety of incidents that can lead to such severe dental injuries.
1. Falls - Falls are a common occurrence in childhood, as children are often engaged in activities that test their physical limits. Whether it's tripping while running, falling off a bike, or tumbling down stairs, falls can easily result in the forceful impact necessary to dislodge a tooth completely.
2. Sports Injuries - Participation in sports, especially contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and martial arts, significantly increases the risk of tooth avulsion. The nature of these activities, which often involve high speeds, physical contact, and projectiles (e.g., balls, pucks), can lead to direct trauma to the mouth.
3. Accidents - Accidental impacts to the face from objects or collisions with other people can cause avulsions. For instance, a child might collide with another while playing, or an object like a ball might strike them directly in the mouth, leading to an avulsed tooth.
Here's a guide to managing the situation effectively:
The proper handling and storage of an avulsed tooth are critical to the success of its reimplantation.
Handling the Tooth Properly
• Do not touch the root of the tooth; handle it by the crown (the part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth). This is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate cells on the root necessary for reattachment.
• If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Avoid using water if possible, as it could damage root cells. Do not scrub or disinfect the tooth.
Correct Storage Mediums
• The best medium is to place the tooth back into its socket immediately, encouraging the child (if they are old enough) to hold it in place with gentle biting pressure or by holding it with their fingers. This maintains the tooth in a natural environment, preserving the cells on the root surface.
• If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in a suitable medium such as milk, saline solution, or a save-a-tooth preservation kit if available. Avoid storing the tooth in water, as mentioned earlier, because it can cause cell damage.
Managing the immediate aftermath involves addressing bleeding and pain while preparing to seek professional care.
Stopping the Bleeding
• Apply gentle pressure to the gum area with a clean piece of gauze or cloth. Encourage the child to bite down on the gauze to maintain pressure and reduce bleeding.
• Keep the child calm and still; excessive movement can increase bleeding.
Pain Management
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used according to the child's age and weight recommendations. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if unsure.
• Applying a cold pack to the cheek or lips over the avulsed tooth area can help reduce swelling and provide temporary pain relief.
The success of reimplanting an avulsed tooth often depends on how quickly the individual receives professional dental care.
Time Sensitivity of Treatment
• Time is of the essence in the case of tooth avulsion. Ideally, the tooth should be reimplanted within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the injury for the best chances of success.
• The longer the tooth remains out of the socket, the lower the likelihood of successful reimplantation due to the drying out and death of root cells.
Importance of Seeing a Dentist or an Emergency Room with Dental Support
• Contact a dentist immediately. If your dentist is unavailable, head to an emergency room that has dental support.
• Inform the dental care provider or emergency staff that you have an avulsed tooth, as this is typically treated as a dental emergency requiring prompt attention.