What to Do When Your Child Has a Chipped Tooth

At Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry, we can address a chipped tooth. As parents, we strive to protect our little ones and keep their precious smiles gleaming. However, kids are adventurous and accidents can happen. While it can be alarming to see your child with a chipped tooth, there's no need to panic. With a few simple steps and the support of Dr. Ball and our pediatric dental team, we can help you navigate this dental mishap and ensure your child's smile stays healthy and happy.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

When your child experiences a chipped tooth, it's essential to remain calm and assess the situation. Check if your child is in any pain, and examine the chipped tooth for any signs of bleeding or exposed nerves. A minor chip may not reach the pulp chamber at all, but if there is bleeding or severe discomfort, seek immediate dental attention.

Step 2: Rinse and Relieve

If the chipped tooth has resulted in any bleeding or swelling, gently rinse your child's mouth with lukewarm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth for about 15 minutes to reduce any swelling and provide relief. Offer your child a pain reliever suitable for their age, if needed, following the manufacturer's instructions. 

Step 3: Save the Fragment

If possible, locate the chipped-off fragment of the tooth. Place it in a clean container with milk or saliva. Saving the fragment could be crucial in potential dental treatments, especially if it's a permanent tooth.

Step 4: Contact the Pediatric Dentist

After attending to immediate concerns, reach out to our pediatric dental team. Even if the chip appears minor, we recommend scheduling a dental evaluation to assess the extent of the damage. We offer emergency dental care, and a chipped tooth definitely qualifies as a dental emergency. Our expertise allows us to determine the best course of action and ensure your child's oral health remains uncompromised.

Step 5: Prevention is Key

Accidents can happen, but we believe in the power of prevention. Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports and activities that pose a risk of dental injury. Additionally, avoid giving your child ice or hard candy, which can increase the risk of chipping teeth.

Step 6: Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Emphasize the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices at home. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups will contribute to the overall health and resilience of your child's teeth.

How Do We Repair Chipped Teeth?

When it comes to chipped teeth in children, one of the most common and effective solutions is dental bonding. This magical dental procedure can work wonders in restoring your child's smile and confidence. Dental bonding is a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective cosmetic treatment performed right in our pediatric dental office.

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material directly to the chipped area of your child's tooth. Before starting the bonding process, Dr. Ball will ensure the tooth is clean and prepared for the treatment. The resin is then carefully sculpted and shaped to blend seamlessly with the natural contours of the tooth, effectively covering the chip.

The Magic of Dental Bonding: A Seamless Repair

The beauty of dental bonding lies in its ability to create a seamless repair for chipped teeth. The tooth-colored resin is precisely matched to your child's natural tooth shade, making the repair virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth. This ensures that your child's smile remains beautifully intact and free from any noticeable imperfections.

Your Child’s Chipped Tooth Is in the Best Hands

At our pediatric dental practice, we're dedicated to safeguarding your child's dental health and providing the best care when accidents occur. Remember, a chipped tooth can be beautifully restored, and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Let's ensure your child's smiles continue to shine brightly and remain as resilient as their spirits! You can learn more about our practice by checking our business page, and make sure to get directions before heading our way.

We love protecting your child’s smile!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.