Damage to the teeth, mouth, or the oral cavity causes orodental trauma. Approximately 20% of people have had dental trauma at some time in their life. Oral problems such as tooth misalignment and environmental factors can also cause orodental trauma, leading to tooth loss in some cases. It can also affect facial and psychological development and the quality of life.

Many orodental trauma cases result from accidents, such as a fall, a car collision, or sporting activities. In contrast, others are the aftermath of engaging in violent acts, such as fighting or physical abuse. This article will review some of the signs of orodental trauma and how you can effectively deal with them.

Signs of Orodental Trauma

Below are the most common signs and symptoms of orodental trauma:

• A broken, chipped, loose, misaligned, or missing tooth
• Gum, lip, cheek, or mouth bleeding
• Difficulty moving your jaw or mouth
• A tooth with a sharp or rough edge

Getting Help for Orodental Trauma

Any dental emergency, such as tooth or gum damage, can be more severe than you think and should not be neglected. Ignoring a dental issue increases the likelihood of irreversible damage and the necessity for more comprehensive and costly treatment in the future.

Outlined below are guides on what to do if you have any of these common dental issues;

• Chipped or fractured teeth: Keep or secure any parts you find, then rinse your mouth with warm water and spit it out into the sink, ensuring that you rinse all broken bits off. If there is bleeding, you could put a piece of gauze in the area for about 10 minutes or until the flow stops. Apply a cool compress to the exterior of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken/chipped tooth to reduce swelling and pain. It is essential to consult your dentist as soon as possible for professional help.
• Knocked-out tooth: Locate the tooth, grasp it by the crown (the white part generally visible in the mouth), and rinse the root with clean water. Do not scrape it or remove any adhering tissue fragments. See a dentist right away with your tooth. You may place it in a baggie with some water in it. Knocked-out teeth have the best chance of survival if they are examined by a dentist and restored to their socket within the hour of being knocked out.
• Toothaches: Some helpful strategies for relieving tooth pains include rinsing with warm salt water, using hydrogen peroxide, and using a cold compress. However, these procedures are typically only temporary. If your toothache worsens, temporary, homemade pain alleviation won’t help. When it becomes evident that the condition in your mouth is worsening despite your best efforts, contact a dental expert.
• Abscess: Abscesses are infections that form around a tooth’s root or in the area between the teeth and gums. They are a dangerous disorder that can cause tissue and surrounding teeth to deteriorate, with the infection potentially spreading to other regions of the body if left untreated. Because an abscess can cause significant oral health and overall health concerns, consult your dentist when you notice a pimple-like swelling on your gum that is generally uncomfortable.

Dental Group of Simi Valley For All Dental Procedures

Similar to medical emergencies, responding swiftly and efficiently to orodental trauma will make a significant impact. The issue is that, unlike a medical emergency, many people overlook toothaches or other dental issues until substantial damage has been done. Usually, extensive dental treatment is required to salvage the condition if it hasn’t gone beyond redemption.

Whether you are trying to salvage or stay ahead of your dental issues, the Dental Group of Simi Valley is here to meet your dental needs. Since 1963, the Dental Group of Simi Valley has helped the residents of Simi Valley, CA achieve a healthy and pain-free smile.

We provide comprehensive dental care ranging from oral diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning, preventative care, composite fillings, root canal treatment, periodontal care, and more. Call us today to book an appointment or speak with our staff about your concerns.