 |
Dental injuries involving sports-related activities are more common than you think.
Some of the most common injuries associated with sports like basketball and baseball are broken or knocked out teeth, or even broken jaws. A U.S. Surgeon General report states that one third of sports injuries for children and adults are craniofacial injuries. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation, more than three million teeth are knocked out in youth sports every year.
Mouthguards and helmets that protect that athlete’s face are the best precautions to take to prevent a dental injury.
If a tooth has been cracked in any way, it’s important to see a dentist within the next 24 hours. If a permanent tooth was knocked out or displaced, the child needs to go to the emergency room to make sure all precautions are taken to try to save the tooth.
In situations as these, milk is a good tool to use to enhance the chances of saving the tooth. The reason is the milk provides the necessary nutrients to keep the cells associated with the tooth alive. Other substances like water will ruin the cells.
Jaw injuries are not as noticeable as tooth injuries but also need to be handled with care. If a child falls on his or her chin with enough force, the jaw could break.
After dental-related injuries, it’s essential to make sure your child’s oral health doesn’t suffer. It’s vital to maintain the same tooth-brushing regimen and other oral care measures.
This information comes from a report from Stephen Mitchell, DMD, an associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatric Dentistry.
|
