Kids are active and they often find themselves in situations that raise the risk when it comes to chipping a tooth. While you hope it never happens, knowing what to do when it does can make everything go smoothly.
Here is what to do just in case your child ever has a chipped tooth that requires your attention.
Remain Calm
A chipped tooth is not the end of the world. And, many times, they are not a big deal at all. Since your child will react based on your response to the situation, take a deep breath and remain calm.
After the chipped tooth happens, continue to speak in a soft, composed manner and move through the following steps with ease. Don’t freak out, cry, or start panicking or your child will likely do the same.
Examine and Rinse
The next thing you want to do is take a look inside your child’s mouth. Do you see the chipped piece of tooth? If so, save it and store it in milk. The pediatric dentist may be able to reattach the chip when restoring the tooth.
Make sure that there is no bleeding. If there is, you will want to place a piece of wet gauze or soft cloth on the area. Your child can gently bite down to hold it in place. The pressure this creates should encourage the bleeding to stop.
Next, depending on the age of your child, you will want them to rinse their mouth with warm water. This should be followed by placing a cold compress on the injured area (on the outside of the mouth) to reduce the risk of swelling.
Sometimes a chipped tooth results in no bleeding, swelling, or discomfort at all. But taking these steps is a precaution until your child can be seen by the dentist.
Contact a Pediatric Dentist
You will want to contact your child’s dentist and explain what happened. They may ask you questions about the tooth to determine whether or not you have a dental emergency on your hands. Be honest and specific so that your child gets the right care.
If your child doesn’t seem to be in pain and the chip is small, waiting until the next available appointment should not be an issue at all. On the other hand, if more than half of the tooth is chipped, see your dentist immediately.
The dentist will be able to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chipped Teeth
Is a chipped tooth considered a dental emergency?
A chipped tooth should always be seen by a dentist. However, it is not usually considered a dental emergency unless it is a big chip that causes pain, bleeding, tenderness, or sensitivity.
What happens if I don’t have a chipped tooth addressed?
Leaving a chipped tooth without treatment may lead to bigger issues later. For instance, it could leave cracks for bacteria to gain access inside the tooth, causing it to become inflamed and require more complex treatment. It is always best to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Still Have Questions About Your Child’s Chipped Tooth?
If you still have questions about your child’s chipped tooth or need to have it addressed, the gentle dental team at Orange County Pediatric Dentistry can help. Each chipped tooth requires a personalized approach. After an oral examination, we will create a treatment plan that will give your little one the best results.
Contact us today at 845-928-2206. Or, request an appointment online.