Concussion Injuries/Dental Trauma
Children are active at play and in sports. That sometimes puts them at risk of a concussion injury or dental trauma. Dental trauma in kids may have long-lasting consequences. Right after the accident or injury, you may need an emergency visit, but remember that hospitals aren’t equipped for dental injur-ies. You need to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist at Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry — in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Harlem and the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Don’t wait for symptoms; call right away.
What Are Concussion Injuries in Kids?
A concussion injury is a blow to the head that may cause a loss of consciousness, a head injury and damage to teeth or the soft tissues of the mouth. A concussion injury may involve other medical problems and demand immediate medical treatment.
Concussion injuries in kids require emergency attention because of the delicate nature of a child’s skull. Children are at a critical stage of development, so any head injury may have devastating and long-term effects if not treated quickly. The same can be said of dental injuries, given how teeth develop in children.
At the nearest Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry office — whether in Manahattan or in Woo- dbridge, New Jersey — the experienced team of board certified dentists treats a wide range of childhood dental issues and injuries. The dentists quickly assess if a concussion injury has caused dental problems and then create a treatment plan for your child.
Severe dental trauma for a child requires emergency and urgent care by a trained pediatric dentist. At the dental practice in Harlem, the Lower East Side or Woodbridge, NJ, the team uses the latest medical equipment to handle dental emergencies and prevent future complications. In the event of a concussion or dental trauma, seek treatment in an emergency room, but then call your child’s dentist.
What Are the Symptoms of Dental Trauma in Kids?
If your child complains of a sharp pain inside the mouth after a playground accident, dental trauma one possible cause. Symptoms of dental trauma in kids include:
- Fractured, missing, cracked, chipped or out-of-place teeth
- Pain or stiffness when trying to open or close the mouth or jaw
- Swelling in the tongue
- Bleeding from soft tissue around the mouth, including the gums, cheek, tongue or lips
- A sharp pain around the mouth
- A loose or broken tooth after the accident
- Swelling and tenderness of the lips or jaw
Your pediatric dentist examines the symptoms and listens to your child explain what’s wrong. Sometimes, your child needs further tests to determine the extent of damage. The findings help the dentist develop an individualized treatment plan.
Emergency & Urgent Care
Children are at risk of head injuries because they can be reckless or careless. If a sporting accident occurs, look for symptoms that may signal a concussion injury. These signs include:
A big blow to the head may cause debilitating damage to your child’s delicate skull. The child may not cry immediately after the accident, but may cry later. Dental trauma is common in cases of concussive sports injuries.
