The primary (Baby) teeth are very closely related to the permanent teeth, which are forming inside the bone.
Injuries to primary teeth can damage the forming permanent teeth. This damage can affect the aesthetics of the permanent teeth resulting in whitish spots or deformation of the crown when they erupt. The more serious the injury the more damage can occur ie intrusion into the gum.
If a baby tooth is knocked out it is important NOT to replace it in the socket. This can also cause damage to the permanent tooth.

First you must consult your dentist immediately after the accident occurs. This has many advantages:
1. There is more chance of conserving the tooths vitality;
2. There is a better long-term prognosis;
3. Future complications and high cost treatments can be avoided.

The important thing is not to panic.

1. Find the piece of tooth, it may be possible to stick it back on;
2. Store it in milk, saline or, if possible, in your mouth between your molars and your cheek, TRY avoid the piece drying out;
3. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. At Belvedere Clinic Co Cork, we will take emergency appointments and see you as soon as possible

Only Permanent teeth can be replanted. Baby teeth should not be replanted.

1. Find the tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not by the root (the yellow part).
2. Replant immediately, if possible.
3. If contaminated, rinse shortly with cold tap water (plug the sink) and put the tooth back in its place. This can be done by the child or an adult.
4. Hold the tooth in place. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position and go to the dentist immediately.
5. If you can not put the tooth back in, place it in a cup of milk or saline. When milk or saline are not available, place the tooth in the child's mouth (between the cheeks and gums:
6. Seek specialized dental treatment. Dr Browne has a special interest in the management of sports injuries and is an expert on emergency dentistry.

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While we do cater for emergency appointments, we believe that prevention is better than cure. While not all dental injuries may be prevented, regular use of a mouthguard (gumshield) during sports such as Hurling, Gaelic Football, Soccer, Rugby, Basketball, Boxing and other high-risk activities is the most effective prevention.

 

Even in sports such as hurling, where it is mandatory to wear a helmet and face guard, a mouthguard can help prevent dental injuries. It can do this by acting as a cushion to prevent tooth on tooth contact.

 

A rubber-like cover which should fit exactly over your upper teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.

 

There are a number of different types of sports mouthguards available, however, the only type we recommend is the custom made mouthguard. These are individually designed by your dentist taking moulds of your mouth. They provide the most comfortable fit and best protection and need to be replac ed less often due to wear.