Managing Dental Trauma: Prevention and First Aid

Common Dental Trauma Scenarios

Dental trauma can vary in severity depending on age and circumstances:

• In children: Often results in slit lips or early loss of baby teeth (primary dentition).
• In adults: Can range from fractured teeth needing fillings to jaw fractures requiring major reconstructive surgery.
• Some adults are at higher risk, such as those with uncontrolled epilepsy or engaging in competitive sports.

Preventing Dental Trauma

To reduce the risk of dental trauma:

• For Epilepsy Patients: Ensure regular medical checks to prevent seizures and inspect the mouth for trauma after each episode.
• During Sports: Wear a mouthguard, either mould-to-fit options from sports shops or custom-made by a dental professional, to protect teeth and soft tissues.
• For Those with Challenging Behaviour or Frequent Falls: Have a procedure in place for dental first aid.

First Aid for Dental Trauma

Immediate actions to take in case of dental trauma:

• Loose or Broken Teeth: If a tooth is loose, do not wiggle it. Keep it in place and see a dentist immediately without rinsing or cleaning it.
• Lost Crown, Inlay, or Bridge: Keep it clean and take it to the dentist, who may reattach it or plan a replacement.
• Nerve Damage: If the tooth nerve is damaged, it may require extraction or root canal treatment. This may lead to discolouration and future treatment needs.

Summary of First Aid Steps

• Remove loose dental pieces only if they pose a choking risk.
• Visit the dentist as soon as possible.
• Apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.