How Is First Aid and Follow-Up Performed in Dental Trauma in Children?

Learn how to provide first aid in dental trauma in children. Discover proper emergency care, treatment, and follow-up for broken or knocked-out teeth with expert guidance from Melsadent.

How should first aid be performed in dental trauma in children? Detailed information about proper intervention and follow-up processes for broken and knocked-out teeth at Melsadent.

How Is First Aid and Follow-Up Performed in Dental Trauma in Children?

During childhood, falls, collisions, and accidents are quite common. Dental trauma may occur while playing, during sports activities, or as a result of household accidents. Trauma affecting the front teeth in particular can lead to serious problems both aesthetically and functionally. For this reason, providing correct first aid in dental trauma in children and ensuring regular dental follow-up afterward are of great importance.

As Melsadent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in this article we discuss in detail the first aid practices that should be applied in dental trauma in children and the follow-up process after trauma.

What Is Dental Trauma in Children?

Dental trauma refers to damage caused by an impact to the tooth, gums, or jawbone. These traumas may occur in primary (baby) teeth or permanent teeth. The most common causes include:

– Falling during play
– Sports activities
– Bicycle or scooter accidents
– Household accidents

Depending on the severity of the trauma, there may be only a crack in the tooth, or the tooth may be completely knocked out.

Most Common Dental Traumas in Children

Dental traumas seen in children are classified in different ways:

1. Tooth Fractures

Fractures may occur in the enamel or dentin layer of the tooth. In some cases, the dental pulp (nerve) may be exposed.

2. Tooth Displacement

The tooth may shift forward, backward, or sideways from its normal position.

3. Tooth Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

The tooth has been completely displaced from its socket. This situation requires emergency intervention.

4. Gum and Soft Tissue Injuries

Cuts or bleeding may occur in the lips, tongue, or gums.

How Should First Aid Be Provided in Dental Trauma?

Correct first aid at the time of trauma significantly increases the chance of saving the tooth.

1. Stay Calm and Reassure the Child

First, the child should be calmed down. Panic can lead to incorrect interventions.

2. Check the Oral Cavity

Bleeding, tooth fractures, or whether the tooth has been displaced should be checked.

3. If There Is Bleeding

Bleeding can be controlled by applying gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad.

What Should Be Done If a Tooth Is Broken?

– If the broken tooth fragment can be found, it should be stored in a clean container.
– The tooth fragment should not be washed with water or allowed to dry.
– A dentist should be consulted as soon as possible.
– In some cases, the broken fragment can be reattached.

What Should Be Done If a Tooth Is Knocked Out (Avulsion)?

This is an emergency situation, especially for permanent teeth.

– The tooth should be held only by the crown (upper part).
– The root of the tooth should never be cleaned or brushed.
– The tooth can be stored in milk, saline solution, or the child’s own saliva.
– A dentist should be reached within 30–60 minutes at the latest.
– In primary teeth, the tooth is usually not replanted, but dental examination is still required.

Why Is Dental Follow-Up Important After Trauma?

In dental trauma, long-term follow-up is just as vital as first aid. The tooth may not lose vitality immediately after trauma; however, problems may appear months later.

During the follow-up process:

– Tooth vitality is evaluated

– Root and surrounding tissues are assessed with X-rays
– Changes in tooth color are monitored
– Signs of infection are observed

What Should Be Considered in Trauma to Primary Teeth?

Primary teeth guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Therefore, trauma to baby teeth should also be taken seriously.

Trauma to a primary tooth may affect the underlying permanent tooth

Discoloration or shape deformities may develop in the permanent tooth

Regular dental check-ups should not be neglected

Home Care Recommendations After Trauma

During the healing process after trauma, the following points should be considered:

– Avoid hard and hot foods
– Maintain proper oral hygiene
– Use medications prescribed by the dentist regularly
– Do not miss follow-up appointments

Is It Possible to Prevent Dental Trauma in Children?

Although accidents cannot be completely prevented, risks can be reduced:

– Using mouthguards during sports
– Organizing slippery surfaces at home
– Making playgrounds safer
– Choosing age-appropriate toys for the child

These measures significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma.

Expert Approach from Melsadent

At Melsadent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, pediatric dental health is addressed with a multidisciplinary approach. With rapid intervention, proper first aid guidance, and long-term follow-up, children’s oral health is safeguarded.

Dental trauma in children can be largely controlled with proper first aid and regular dental follow-up. Conscious interventions at the time of trauma help preserve the tooth and ensure healthy development. Parents’ awareness in this matter is extremely important for children’s future oral and dental health.