Summer fun can be "traumatic"

Tooth Emergencies with Kids

It's hard to believe Summer is around the corner when we have snow currently falling in Northern Colorado Springs!  However, warmer weather and sunny days will soon be upon us, so don't lose faith!  Colorado is known for its many amazing outdoor recreational activities.  Sometimes these activities or involvement in sports, trips to the park and playground, etc., can result in emergency dental traumas.  A few key points for parents and caregivers to remember in the case of a traumatic dental emergency:
1.  Never attempt to re-implant a baby tooth that has been knocked-out!  This can result in a bad infection as well as damage to the permanent tooth bud that is developing in the jaw.
2.  If a permanent tooth has been knocked-out, the best option is to try to re-implant it yourself and then immediately call us to evaluate the damage.  If you are not comfortable re-implanting the tooth, place it in ice cold milk, saliva, or even plain water if milk is not readily available.  Time is of the essence, so call us immediately! (719) 550-1010
3.  It's quite common for toddlers and young children to fall and hit their front teeth.  Since the mouth is very vascular (i.e. full of blood vessels,) these falls can result in quite a "bloody mess!"  Remain calm and contact our office if you are concerned the teeth or gums were damaged.  Things such as root fractures cannot be diagnosed without x-rays, so it's a good idea to bring in your child for an emergency appointment, even if the trauma does not appear too bad.
4.  If your child suddenly has a darkened/discolored front tooth, there is a strong likelihood they have traumatized that tooth at some point.  This discoloration may mean a variety of things, including certain blood pigments have leached through the tooth structure, similar to a bruise.  It can also mean the nerve of the tooth has become necrotic and is there is an active infection!  Once again, a dental exam and an x-ray can usually help us diagnose the cause of the discoloration.
5.  If your child has a dental trauma and has lost consciousness or becomes nauseated and vomits, take them immediately to the emergency room for an evaluation for a concussion or other neurological damage.  After this evaluation with a physician, call our office to address their dental needs.  We want to ensure your child is safe and not experiencing severe, potentially life-altering symptoms!
Hopefully this May winter storm will pass quickly and we can all be enjoying the Colorado sunshine again.  In the meantime, stay warm, drive safe, and let us know if we can help keep your cool kiddos smiling!