WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is acute dental trauma? Acute dental trauma is a serious injury to one or more parts of your mouth. Your injury may include damage to any of your teeth, the tooth socket, the tooth root, or your jaw. You can also have injuries to the soft tissues of your mouth. These include your tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips. Severe injuries can expose the soft pulp inside the tooth. What causes acute dental trauma? Dental trauma usually occurs from a direct hit to your mouth or jaw. Accidents, such as falling off a bicycle or a car accident, can cause dental trauma. A direct hit can also happen during sports activities. What are the signs and symptoms of acute dental trauma? - A tooth that is cracked, chipped, loose, out of place, or missing
- A sharp or rough edge on your tooth
- Bleeding from your gums, lips, face, or mouth
- Trouble moving your jaw or mouth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
What should I do if my tooth falls out? Rinse the tooth in cold water. Place the tooth in egg whites, coconut water, salt water, or whole milk. You may also place the tooth in your saliva after you spit some in a container. Seek care immediately to have your tooth reimplanted or fixed. How is acute dental trauma diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine your mouth and ask how you were injured. He will ask about your symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had surgeries or other procedures on your mouth. You may need an x-ray to check for damage to the bones in your face. How is acute dental trauma treated? Treatment will depend on the type of dental trauma you have. A tooth that moves slightly may heal on its own. You may also need any of the following: - Medicine may be given to decrease pain or prevent an infection. You may need a tetanus shot to prevent bacteria from getting into your wound. This may be needed if you have cut your mouth or gums on metal.
- Stitches may be needed to close a wound in your mouth.
- Surgery may be needed to repair your tooth or broken bones in your jaw.
How do I manage my acute dental trauma? - Apply ice on your jaw or cheek for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Do not use your damaged tooth. Chewing food on your damaged tooth may put too much pressure on it and worsen your injury.
- Eat soft foods or drink liquids. Soft foods and liquids may be easier to eat until your injury heals. Soft foods include applesauce, pudding, mashed potatoes, gelatin, or ice cream.
- Keep your wounds clean. Use prescribed mouthwash as directed or gargle with a salt water solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water. You can also clean your wounds with hydrogen peroxide swabs. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on how to clean your wounds.
- Wear protective gear when you play sports. Always wear a helmet and mouth guard that meet safety standards. These will prevent damage to your gums, teeth, and the bones that support your mouth.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have trouble breathing.
When should I seek immediate help? - You lose one or more of your teeth, or your tooth moves out of place.
- You have severe bleeding in your mouth that does not stop.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have new symptoms, or your symptoms become worse.
- You feel pain when air gets in contact with your damaged tooth.
- You have tooth pain when you eat foods that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour.
- Your tooth's color becomes darker.
- You have questions or concern about your condition or care.
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