We bought our 3 yr old her first tricycle in June. She has learned to ride very well, but last Wednesday we were riding on an unfamiliar street and she got ahead of me. She rode over an uneven sidewalk and apparently she wasn’t really holding on tight because she flew over the handlebars. She fell on her face and scraped the skin off her chin. I checked her lips and teeth and they look fine. I didn’t see any blood around her mouth, teeth or gums. I do notice that my daughter puts her hand in her mouth and tries to touch her front tooth, so although she is not complaining about pain, I think it hurts a little. I asked her if it hurts and she keeps saying, “it’s okay”. Maybe she is saying it’s okay because when I first looked at her teeth I told her it’s okay. I am not sure. If there is something wrong with the tooth, should we be concerned since it’s only a baby tooth? My sister told me to watch the tooth in case it is damaged on the inside and turns black. Do I need to take her to a pediatric dentist or just watch and wait? – Sarayna
Sarayna – If your daughter’s fall affected face, you should take her to the dentist to have the tooth examined. The impact may have damaged the inside of her tooth. Since your daughter’s teeth are her primary teeth, they will eventually fall out and new ones will erupt. But it’s good to have her teeth examined for internal damage.
If your daughter’s actions are making you think that her tooth may be hurting, that is further reason to have the tooth examined. There may be no serious issue, but an examination and x-rays can detect any damage.
The tooth might not be loose now, but if it is damaged, it can loosen. A loose primary tooth needs to be stabilized so it can serve as a guide to the permanent tooth to follow.
This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.