What Parents Should Know If Their Child Has a Chipped Tooth
Parents often worry when their child experiences a dental injury, such as a chip in their tooth. A chipped tooth can be a scary experience for both children and parents, whether what they have are still baby teeth or not. While it is important to seek immediate medical attention for more serious dental injuries, minor chips in teeth can often be treated at home. However, if your child has a chipped tooth, it is important to know what to do to ensure the health and safety of your child’s teeth.
If you want to know more about what to do when your child chips their tooth, continue reading.
Chipped Baby Tooth Treatment Options
When chewing, a chipped tooth can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the temperature is either hot or cold. A chipped tooth can be repaired in a variety of methods, but it’s important to stress that no matter how severe the damage is, you should see a dentist very away.
Here’s a list of how to handle when your toddler tooth chips:
- Don’t panic, just stay calm. It’s not unusual for a child to have a tooth chipped. As a result, there is no reason to panic. Even if your child has a noticeable chipped tooth, don’t make them feel self-conscious about it.
- Check on your child. See if they are crying or ask them if they are in pain. It is also advisable to check if there’s blood.
- Call your pediatric dentist. Before making an appointment with your dentist, be calm, explain what happened, and follow any recommendations they offer you.
- Cold compress or rinse. In addition to contacting the dentist, you should apply a cold compress (or ice packs) to your child’s face and rinse their mouth with cold water. You should also bring any broken teeth from the accident scene to your dentist so that he or she may examine them. Taking your child to the dentist right away if you can’t discover a tooth fragment and they’re having trouble breathing is the best course of action.
- Pain relievers. If your child is still in pain a few hours or days after the incident, give them the recommended dose of children’s ibuprofen. Ask your dentist or doctor if you are unsure of the correct dosage before administering any counter pain relievers.
- Pay attention to it. There may be a risk of infection, so it would be best to keep an eye on it. Damage from a missing tooth may not be immediately apparent; for example, a chipped baby tooth may become grey over time. Also, keep an eye out for any infection in their gums.
Does It Need An Emergency Care?
Most parents ask themselves, “Do we go to the emergency dental room?” after their child loses a baby tooth. Even if the damaged tooth isn’t life-threatening, it can cause other problems that necessitate immediate medical attention.
Here’s a list of indicators that you should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible:
- Difficulty in breathing. A choking hazard might arise if a tooth is knocked into the airway.
- Unable to swallow. When the back of the mouth or the area around the throat feels sore, it can be an indication of a more serious injury that could result in a blocked airway.
- Too much bleeding. Bleeding is common immediately following an injury. It is better to go to the ER if the bleeding does not stop within a few minutes. They may be able to assist in halting the bleeding or locating a more serious wound.
- Signs of head or neck injury. These include a loss of consciousness, excessive tiredness, odd behavior or confusion, uncontrollable vomiting, or a report of a terrible headache. In addition, if your child complains of neck pain or is unable to move their neck regularly, an evaluation should be performed immediately.
Read Next: Tooth-Friendly Snacks for Children
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about chipped tooth
Chipped teeth are a common injury and one that can cause a lot of anxiety for parents. Get in touch with the most reputable pediatric dentist and schedule preventative care. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.