Every parent, caregiver, coach, sports fan and especially injured party dreads the moment when an injury to the mouth occurs during a sporting event. The first thought observers have after looking closely to see if it is their child or someone they know is, “I hope someone knows what to do!” Do you know what to do in case of a dental sports emergency? Test your dental injury IQ with this simple, quick quiz. The answers are listed at the bottom of this article.
Dental Injury IQ
- If a tooth (including its root) is totally knocked out, what can you safely store it in while finding a dentist within 5 minutes of the injury?
- Water or salt water
- Milk (preferably cold)
- Inside the cheek (mouth) of the injured person
- All of the above
- True or False: Immediately following the injury, fresh cold tap water or bottled water is the best way to remove debris from where a tooth was knocked out.
- If a tooth has shifted from its original position following an injury, you should…
- See a dentist within 5 minutes
- See a dentist within 6 hours
- See a dentist within 12 hours
- Only see a dentist if the tooth is not better in a few days
- True or False: You treat a knocked out baby tooth in the same manner as you do a permanent tooth.
- The most important thing to do to save a tooth that has been completely knocked out of the mouth is toâ¦
- See a dentist as soon as possible
- Replant the tooth within 5 minutes
- Stop the bleeding before re-planting the tooth
- Rinse the tooth with fresh, clean water
The Answers
1) d = all of the above, 2) true, 3) b = see a dentist within 6 hours, 4) false – baby teeth are typically not replanted, 5) b = replant the tooth within 5 minutes
Want To Learn More?
Contact us today to discuss your questions or to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more about treating dental injuries when you read the Dear Doctor article, “The Field-Side Guide To Dental Injuries.” Or, you can download a FREE, pocket-sized guide for managing dental injuries.
