Swimming Pool Tooth Injuries

Summer brings warm days and cool swims in the pool. Unfortunately tooth related summing accidents also are a sign of summer. In my personal experience diving into shallow water and hitting the front teeth on the bottom of the pool is the most common injury. Depending on the severity of the trauma one of the following will usually happen.

1. The teeth are traumatized with no apparent broken areas. If the teeth are not mobile no professional treatment is necessary. There may be a period of sensitivity to cold or chewing, however it usually subsides after a few days.

2. The teeth are knocked loose with no apparent broken areas. Generally it is advisable to have a dentist x-ray the area for possible root fracture. To stabilize the affected teeth composite bonding can be applied for 10 to 14 days. The composite splint will protect the teeth during chewing.

3. The teeth are fractured. If the fracture is through the pulp of the tooth immediate professional attention is necessary to possibly prevent the death of the tooth, if the pulp is not involved immediate treatment is not a vital. If you are uncertain contact the dentist immediately for an evaluation.

4. A tooth or teeth are knocked out of the mouth. Immediately place the tooth back into the socket. Don’t worry about getting it into the right position. It’s the blood supply that is important to the fibers on the root. You won’t damage the mouth or the tooth in trying to replace the tooth into the socket. If unable to place the tooth back in the mouth the next best option is to place it in water (ice water if possible) to keep the fibers on the root alive. Call the dentist immediately and if the dentist places the tooth back into the socket within 30 minutes there is a good chance the tooth will reattach.
Check the depth of the water before diving and you may avoid this type of injury. However if a tooth injury occurs you will be ready to act in the proper manner. 

John V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
Signature Dental Care
30 Commerce Drive
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Phone: 610-320-9993
E-mail: jreitz@reitzdds.com

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