Why are my child’s teeth breaking?
Teeth break, unfortunately. It is not an uncommon situation, and happens to many people every year. Thankfully there is an entire industry built around caring for, repairing, and replacing tooth damage. Children’s teeth are no exception. Children’s teeth fall out as a natural process on the road to maturity. This does not however mean that a child’s broken tooth does not have to be repaired. What will need to happen after a broken child’s tooth will depend on what caused the broken tooth.
What are the reasons a Child’s tooth breaks?
- Gum infection or disease- Children are known for their carefree naivety and generally positive attitudes. They are not known for being fastidious dental health aficionados. Protecting your gums from gingivitis, or other gum diseases requires accurate dental hygiene. Flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash regularly are the best ways to prevent gum disease.
- Tooth Decay or Disease- Cavities, osteo-disorders, or genetic complications with tissues in the root can cause teeth to break or fall out. See your pediatrician or dentist regularly to diagnose any of these more complex causes.
- Trauma- When a child’s tooth is loose, they may tie a rope to the tooth and shut the door. Sometimes things like this happen in unexpected ways. Children fall, trip, or bump into something that puts tremendous force onto their teeth, which can cause breaks or tooth loss. This is one of the more immediately severe causes, because it usually happens quickly and requires prompt response from an adult.
If you find yourself in a situation where a child has broken a tooth
- Remain calm, and help calm the child. Take a deep breath and pay attention to the child. Try to determine what their pain level is, pay attention to their breathing, and try to relax them any way you can.
- Get the child to empty their mouth. Spit out any blood, saliva, food, or tooth pieces. It is easiest if there is a clear piece of stone or cement to do this. You may need to find the tooth pieces to save in case the tooth needs to be repaired.
- Important! If the child has any problems breathing, get them to empty their mouth, and call 911. In an ideal situation, once their mouth is empty they will catch their breath again. Breaking a tooth is scary for a child. In a more difficult situation, a piece of tooth may have been inhaled or swallowed by the child, which can constrict the airway. Talk to the 911 operator on what to do next and head to the ER quickly.
- If you have not already been to th ER, or an emergency dentist, you need to make an appointment with your dentist quickly. Your dentist will take a thorough scan of your child’s mouth and gums. They will be able to diagnose the extent of damage caused by the broken tooth, and any underlying causes which may have caused your child’s broken tooth.
Have your child see their dentist regularly. This will help to protect them before tooth and gum disease becomes a problem, and it will help them develop a strong dental hygiene routine early in life.