Besides routine dental care like brushing and flossing, your child also needs to be aware of situations that make them more vulnerable to injuries. Fortunately, you can take preventative steps to help reduce the likelihood of these injuries occurring. Learn more about how to treat and prevent dental injuries with the following guide.

Common Dental Injuries

One of the most common dental injuries children can incur is a chipped or fractured tooth. Eating hard foods or grinding their teeth can result in chips. If your child breaks a tooth, collect any fragments and offer them an ice pop to soothe the pain. They’ll need to avoid eating hard or chewy foods in the afflicted area until they see a dentist. A small filling can fix a minor fracture, while a larger break may require a crown to provide stability.

Trauma to your child’s face during physical activity or an accident can knock out a tooth. If your child’s tooth is permanent and still viable, rinse it off with water, then place it back in the socket if it fits. Otherwise, keep the tooth in a cup of milk, and take it when you bring your child to the dentist as soon as possible.

If it was a baby tooth, don’t try to reinsert it to avoid damaging the adult tooth beneath. To be on the safe side, you may want to get a dentist’s opinion to determine if your child will need a filler for the space.

How to Prevent Dental Injuries

Have your child use the right gear to safeguard their smile from trauma, especially if they participate in contact sports or high-speed activities like biking. Young athletes should wear protective equipment like helmets, face shields, and mouthguards. Kids who grind their teeth at night will benefit from night guards.

Additionally, teach your child to take care of their teeth and mouth in daily life. They shouldn’t chew on anything other than food, particularly hard objects that might chip their teeth. Regular visits with your child’s dentist will also catch any issues with fillings or dental decay that could lead to breakage.

Whether you need advice on the best dental care practices or your child needs injury treatment, trust Pedodontic Associates in Honolulu, HI. The professionals on staff have offered vital dental services for the past 25 years, ranging from routine cleanings and checkups to fillings and mouthguards. To learn more about how their dental care offerings, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.