Dental Education
Importance of Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)
Primary/Deciduous teeth (also known as baby teeth) are necessary for proper chewing of foods resulting in better nourishment for your body. Each primary tooth is reserving space and acts as a guide for a permanent tooth which will replace it. The last baby molar doesn’t usually exfoliate (fall out) until the age of twelve or thirteen. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, there will probably be a loss of space, which usually results in an inadequate amount of room for the permanent tooth. Untimely loss of a baby tooth can also ruin that cute smile!
Fluoride
Fluoride is found naturally in much of the water we drink and in many foods. Studies have shown that children who drink water containing fluoride, when their teeth are developing, have less tooth decay than children in communities with fluoride-free water. The application of fluorides on the tooth surface gives added protection to the tooth and is worth while. It is reasonable to assume that the application of fluorides to the teeth of adults also will be beneficial. If your child drinks water that has no fluorides a dietary supplement of fluoride can be prescribed.
The American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, the American Society of Dentistry for Children and the U.S. Public Health Service have declared fluorides to be safe and effective for the prevention of dental decay.
First Aid for Dental Emergencies*
Toothache: Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. Do not place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Basic rule: Remain calm – time is critical. Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but do not handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving a permanent tooth. These procedures are not effective in treating a knocked out primary (baby) tooth.
Broken Braces and Wires: If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding porting with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, do Not remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother the child don’t usually require emergency attention.
Broken Tooth: Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. The tooth can be restored to normal shape and appearance with white resin material that bonds to enamel. Immediate dental attention is necessary.
Possible Broken Jaw: If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie or handkerchief, and then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Bleeding after Baby Tooth Falls Out: Fold and pack clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bit on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.
Cold/Canker Sores: Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually over the counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.
*Used with permission of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry UNC-CH School of Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
