Traumatic Dental Injuries in Children
Traumatic dental injuries are way more common than we think. In fact, one billion people have experienced dental trauma, with the median age being 13.8 years.
When left alone, these injuries can cause devastating challenges such as speech difficulty, disturbances in the bite, reactions to thermal changes or sensitivity, and more.
Thus, it's overly critical that parents and guardians know how to deal with a child who has suffered dental trauma. You want to visit the most reliable pediatric dentistry Charlotte NC can offer so that you can get your child back on track — Steelecroft Dental.
What are the Most Common Traumatic Dental Injuries in Children?
Dental traumas in children can be classified into three types: direct trauma to the teeth, indirect trauma to the supporting tissues of the teeth, and developmental disturbances. Here's a closer look:
Direct Trauma to the Teeth
Direct trauma to the teeth occurs when something hits the teeth directly, causing damage. For example, a fall onto the ground could cause this injury. Another example would be your child's face getting hit while playing a sport like football. These accidents usually occur during playtime, but they can happen anytime.
Indirect Trauma to Supporting Tissues
Indirect trauma to the supporting tissues happens when something else causes the teeth to move, damaging the surrounding tissues.
A typical example is when a toddler bites down on something hard, such as a toy, and their jaw gets stuck shut. In this case, the teeth are moving, but the jaw can't open wide enough for the tongue to come out. As a result, the tongue presses against the inside of the cheek, damaging the soft tissues around the teeth.
Developmental Disturbances
Developmental disturbances include conditions where the teeth don't develop properly, resulting in malocclusion.
Malocclusion refers to misaligned teeth or crooked teeth. It can affect one or both jaws and may happen due to various reasons, including genetics, improper diet, and environmental factors.
How Do I Treat a Child with a Traumatic Dental Injury?
The first thing you should do after finding out about a TDI is to conduct a quick search for "Steelecroft Dental Charlotte" on Maps and take your child to see us immediately. This will help prevent further problems from occurring. If you have questions about what to expect at your appointment, ask us now.
Our dentist will examine your child and determine if there is anything they need to fix. The dentist might need to replace missing parts of the tooth, repair cracks, fill cavities, or even remove some damaged tissue.
Steelecroft Dental is the Best in Pediatric Dentistry Charlotte, NC Can Trust!
Are you seeking a family dentist near you? Then, your search ends here! At Steelecroft Dental, we specialize in providing exceptional care to kids.
Our pediatric dentists offer comprehensive services that address the entire oral health needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents, and young adults. With us, you can rest assured knowing that your child's safety is our top priority.
For more information about our services, please contact us today at (704) 749-6300 and request an appointment. We'll be happy to help your child get back to smiling again.