Dental Trauma in Children
Types, management, and prevention of dental injuries in pediatric patients.
Dental trauma is common in children, with peak incidence at ages 2-3 (learning to walk) and 8-10 (active play/sports). About 25% of school-age children experience dental trauma. Types include enamel fractures, crown fractures (with/without pulp exposure), root fractures, luxation injuries (displacement), and avulsion (complete tooth loss). Management depends on whether the injured tooth is primary or permanent. For primary teeth, treatment prioritizes protecting the developing permanent tooth underneath. For permanent teeth, immediate action is crucial — especially for avulsed teeth, which should be replanted within 30 minutes. Prevention through mouthguards during sports is essential. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection compared to boil-and-bite or stock guards.