Overview:
Many children or adult teeth are lost as a result of injuries or accidents, and this does not mean that the injured person has lost the tooth permanently, as teeth can be saved and re-implanted if appropriate and rapid first aid is given thereto, and first aid steps must be taken and immediately go to the dentist within 30 minutes.
Causes of dental injuries:
- Car accidents.
- Quarrels.
- Falls and bumps.
- While practicing some sports.
First aid for tooth loss in adults:
- Finding the tooth and holding it from the part used for chewing (the crown), and the roots of the tooth should never be touched.
- If the tooth is dirty, it should be rinsed gently using only clean water and no soap or any chemicals should be used, while not rubbing or drying the tooth.
- Try to put the tooth back in its position in the gums immediately, by gently placing it while maintaining not to touch the root, and slowly closing the mouth and gently biting on it until it settles in place.
- When it is not possible to put the tooth back in its place, it must be kept moist until reaching the doctor, by placing it in a cup of milk or placing it in the mouth next to the cheek, but the tooth should not be kept in water.
- Go to the doctor within 30 minutes for quick intervention, however, teeth can be preserved for an hour.
First aid for tooth loss in children:
- If the tooth is milky, the best thing to do is to find the tooth and keep it moist, by placing it in a cup of milk or placing it in the mouth next to the cheek (this method is used in children older than 12 years only, taking care not to swallow the tooth) while avoiding Keeping the tooth in water.
- Go directly to the dentist to determine whether the entire tooth has come out or only part of it, and he can also determine whether or not he will implant the tooth again.
Prevention of dental injuries:
There are a number of simple precautions that can be taken to avoid accidents and dental injury:
- Wear a mouth guard when participating sports or recreational activities.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn, and hard candy, all of which can cause cracked teeth.
- Do not use teeth to cut things and use scissors.