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 All
oral injuries should be assessed as
soon as possible after they occur
to document initial findings; arrange
for emergency treatment, if needed;
and schedule follow-up with a dentist.
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The roots of the primary teeth are close
to the developing permanent teeth; therefore the force
of the impact to a primary tooth can be easily transmitted
to the underlying developing tooth. Infection caused
by primary tooth damage may harm the permanent teeth
as well. The intervention strategy for injured primary
teeth is dictated by a concern for the permanent teeth.[1]
Health professionals are likely to
encounter infants and young children with oral injuries.
Therefore,
especially for infants and young children who do
not have a dental home, (see Module
2, section 2.7)
it is important for health professionals to feel
confident about managing oral injury.
Although health professionals’
ability to treat oral injuries is limited, the information
presented in this section will help them determine
how to provide some level of care.
All oral injuries should be assessed
as soon as possible after they occur to document initial
findings; arrange for emergency treatment, if needed;
and schedule follow-up with a dentist.
Once the health professional has determined
that no medical emergency exists, the health professional
should examine the infant’s or child’s
teeth and mouth). (See
Module 2, section 2.4.)
- Feel the facial bones and note any swelling, bruises,
or lacerations.
- Determine whether the infant or child can open
and close her mouth.
- Determine whether the infant or child can move
his jaw from right to left (lateral excursions of
the jaw).
- Look for missing teeth; fractured crowns; and
mobile, intruded, or extruded teeth.
- Check soft tissues for bruising and lacerations.
- Take extraoral and intraoral photographs of the
infant’s or child’s mouth and face (these
may be needed in cases of suspected child abuse).
- Refer the infant or child to a dentist for assessment
and possible intervention.
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