Fractured Incisors
Primary incisors can be damaged especially when the baby is learning to walk. The most common injury sustained to baby teeth is that the tooth (usually one of the upper central incisors) is pushed up into the gum.
Approximately 1 in 12 children in Ireland will have broken one or more of their permanent teeth before they reach the age of 15 years. The most common teeth to be damaged are the upper central incisors. Damage can range from a small chip off the enamel, to a fracture involving the dental pulp. Occasionally also the tooth can be displaced or, more rarely, knocked out completely.
Prevention and Management
Due to the fact that these injuries occur following an accident during normal everyday activities, prevention is difficult. Wearing of mouthguards during organised contact sports will reduce the likelihood of fracturing a tooth. Also, children who have prominent upper incisors are more prone to damage, hence orthodontic correction is recommended. When a tooth is accidentally damaged it is important that professional advice from a dentist is sought immediately. In the case of permanent incisors which are knocked out of the mouth the tooth should be stored in milk. The patient should be brought to a dentist immediately; the chances of successful re-implantation are considerably better if the tooth is re-implanted within 30 minutes of being knocked out.
