When is there dental injury?
Like a tooth breaks down, separate or from the mouth If this is the case, there is tooth damage. Go straight to the dentist with the damaged tooth or piece of tooth.
The tooth has broken off. What now?
Broken off …
… and repaired
Go straight to the dentist with the broken tooth. Keep the broken piece wet! The dentist will assess whether the broken piece can be reattached. If reattachment is not possible, the dentist will repair the tooth with tooth-coloured material (composite). If there are no complaints, the dentist will usually do nothing about a broken milk tooth. If necessary, he or she will smooth the sharp edge of the tooth so that your child does not damage their tongue.
The tooth is loose. What now?
Do not touch or push back. Go straight to the dentist.
An adult tooth has fallen out. What now?
Grasp the tooth by the crown
Rinse the tooth with milk.
Put the tooth from a permanent dentition back into the mouth. The quicker you do this, the greater the chance of success. Proceed as follows:
1. Find the tooth quickly.
2. Grasp the tooth by the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums. Avoid contact with the root of the tooth. This reduces the chance of successful reimplantation.
3. Rinse the tooth with milk. No milk available? Then let the patient lick or suck the tooth clean. Never clean the tooth with water or cleaning products, and do not use a brush. This reduces the chance of successful reinsertion. Furthermore, rinsing the tooth under the tap may cause it to disappear down the drain.
4. Is the tooth clean? Then put it back in place.
5. Then hold your teeth together with a paper tissue or gauze between them. This will keep the tooth in place.
6. Go straight to the dentist. They will check the repositioned tooth and secure it (splint it).
Please note: never put a lost milk tooth back in place. Doing so could damage the new permanent tooth.
I can't get my tooth back in place. What should I do?
Keep the tooth in milk
Place the tooth in milk. No milk available? Then keep the tooth loose in your mouth, preferably in the space between your molars and cheek. If the tooth has been dry for more than half an hour, it is unlikely to be successfully reinserted. Therefore, never store the tooth in a handkerchief or box on your way to the dentist.
Can I prevent dental injuries?
Mouth guard, available in sports shops
Dental injuries can sometimes be prevented. For example, you can wear a mouthguard when playing sports. This does not offer a guarantee, but it can limit any damage in the event of an accident. There are different types of mouthguards available. Ready-made mouthguards can be purchased in sports shops. These often do not fit properly and therefore do not provide adequate protection. The best mouthguards are those that are custom-made by your dentist.
Want to know more?
Then download the free GezondeMond app. The app is available for Android and tablets, available via Google Play. The app for iPhone and iPad can be found in the iTunes App Store..
<< Back© Ivory Cross
