My Child Chipped a Tooth, Now What?

Young children are pretty accident-prone. Many accidents can lead to the unfortunate but common injury of chipping a tooth. A wayward baseball or unexpected fall are just two of the accidents that can cause chipped teeth in children. It's far too easy to panic if your child injures their face and mouth; however, it's essential that you remain calm. In addition to not panicking, here are the steps you should take if your child chips a tooth.

What to do if Your Child Chips a Tooth

If your child chips a tooth, you should contact their dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will likely want to examine the chip to determine the best course of action. For example, if the chip is significant, the dentist might recommend a tooth extraction.

Here are some first steps you can take:

• Rinse your child's mouth with warm water to help reduce the chance of infection.
• Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and pain. The cold constricts blood vessels, which slows blood flow and helps minimize inflammation, numb the area, and stop any bleeding.
• If there is active bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth, such as gauze, a washcloth, or even tissues. If bleeding continues after applying pressure, contact your child's dentist immediately.
• If possible, store the chip in a container filled with milk or your child's saliva.

When you call your child's dentist, explain the situation as best you can, including what tooth was chipped, how it was chipped, if the child is in pain, and when the event happened. If possible, bring the fragment of the tooth with you to the appointment.

Depending on how the tooth was chipped, the dentist may smooth the edges and fill in the part that chipped off. For a permanent tooth that has been knocked out, the dentist can put it back in (reimplant) if it is done quickly.

Even a small chip or crack could have lasting consequences for your child's oral health, so it's imperative to always check with their dentist for the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Teeth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Not all chipped teeth require an emergency dental appointment. Still, you should call your dentist immediately if your child's tooth is visibly cracked from top to bottom. You should also seek emergency dental treatment if they are experiencing uncontrollable bleeding, pain, or swelling. If the tooth is white, or white and dark brown or yellow, it's typically not an emergency.

Is a Root Canal Necessary for My Child's Chipped Tooth?

If your child has chipped one of their permanent teeth, there is a chance of infection. Signs of an infection can include pain, swelling in the mouth or throat, and bleeding gums. Once an infection affects the root of your tooth, antibiotics are usually not helpful. So, a root canal may be necessary to preserve the tooth. Your child's dentist can let you know what the best course of action is.

Did Your Child Chip a Tooth? Call Greer Dental Studio Today

At Greer Dental Studio, we are here for your child's routine and urgent dental needs, including chipped teeth. If your child chipped a tooth or is having other urgent issues with their teeth, our compassionate team is here to help. Contact us today at 864-259-2590 to learn more about our services or request an appointment online.