Braces are a fundamental tool your orthodontist in Franklin, TN, uses to help straighten teeth and improve oral health for children and adults alike. However, wearing braces can sometimes cause discomfort and even lead to accidents or discomfort—especially when an energetic child is involved!
Falls during break time, a hit to the face with a ball, and even biting into a hard food in a moment of distraction can damage your child’s orthodontic appliance and harm the soft tissue of their mouth. The best way to prevent this is by using a mouthguard, but if a braces-related accident were to occur, here are some tips on how to act.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Act If Your Child Suffered an Accident with Their Braces
Braces-related accidents can happen without warning and can upset parents and children. Nevertheless, by understanding how to handle them, you can ensure your child gets the care they need while providing emotional support in these troubling times.
To help you achieve that, here are some tips:
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important thing to do when your child suffers any type of accident is to stay calm and assess the situation. Children are very sensitive to their surroundings, and if they see you panicking, they will panic, too.
Before anything, take a deep breath and reassure your child that everything will be okay. You’ll need them to be calm so they can analyze their mouth and understand what’s going on.
Once you’ve achieved that, look at the details. Is the injury minor or major? Is there blood? Has the structure of their braces been compromised? While some mishaps may cause minor discomfort, like a sore mouth or a loose wire, others may cause more serious harm. By understanding the severity of the injury, you can know how to act.
2. Identify the Type of Injury
Braces can cause various types of injuries, such as:
- Broken or loose brackets: Brackets are tiny ceramic or metal parts fastened to the teeth. It may irritate the gums or the inside of the mouth if a bracket comes loose or breaks off.
- Poking wires: Occasionally, the wire connecting the brackets may move and pierce the inside of the mouth, resulting in cuts or pain on the tongue, cheek, or gums.
- Loose or dislodged braces: In more severe situations, the braces themselves may become loose, which could alter their alignment or cause the device to come loose from the teeth.
- Cuts and sores: When the wires and brackets of a brace rub against the gums, cheeks, or lips, it can occasionally result in cuts or sores on the soft tissues inside the mouth.
- Dental injuries: Rarely, a braces-related accident could cause a dental injury like a broken or chipped tooth.
3. Immediate First Aid Steps
Once you assess the situation, you can take the appropriate steps to address the injury before visiting our dental office. The sharp edges of any loose or broken brackets can be covered with orthodontic wax to keep your child's mouth from becoming irritated.
If there are any protruding wires, gently push them away from your child's tongue, gums, or cheek with a soft object, like a pencil eraser or the back of a spoon. You can also cover the protruding area with orthodontic wax to create a barrier of protection.
You might need to trim the wire if it is causing too much pain and you are unable to move it back into position. Use a pair of sterilized wire cutters, and be cautious not to cause further injury.
If a tooth is chipped or broken in your child's accident, try to save the piece and put it in a container with milk or saliva. This might allow the orthodontist or dentist to reattach the tooth for your child.
In the meantime, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if your child is in pain. Take them to the emergency room immediately if the area is excessively bleeding.
4. When to Contact the Orthodontist or Dentist
Not all braces-related accidents require a visit to the orthodontist right away. However, there are situations where professional intervention is necessary. Contact them if:
- A bracket is completely detached or broken, and you cannot fix it yourself.
- The wire is severely out of place, or you are unable to adjust it.
- Your child experiences significant pain that is not alleviated by basic first aid.
- There is visible damage to the braces or teeth that requires repair or adjustment.
- Your child has experienced a significant oral injury, such as a broken tooth.
In emergencies, such as a severe dental injury, or if your child is in extreme pain, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist or go to the emergency room.
5. Preventing Braces-Related Accidents
Although accidents can happen, there are certain things you can do to try to prevent them. For instance, avoid adding hard, crunchy foods to their diets and explain to them why they must avoid these.
Additionally, get them a mouthguard to protect their mouths from sudden hits, especially if they play sports.
Regular adjustments and check-ups are key to ensuring your child’s orthodontic process goes as it should. This allows us to monitor the condition of their braces and make any necessary adjustments.
Lastly, make sure to teach them the importance of proper oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and braces and preventing plaque buildup that could lead to other complications, such as gum disease or cavities.
Restore Your Kid’s Smile with an Orthodontist in Franklin, TN
Even though an accident involving braces can be stressful for both you and your child, you can lessen the pain and avoid more issues if you remain composed and know what to do.
If your child has suffered a braces-related accident that compromised the state of their appliance, Happy Harpeth & Associates can help. Reach out, and let’s work together to get your child’s orthodontic treatment back on track!
