What Should I Do if My Child Chips Their Tooth?
Your child’s teeth are a vital part of growing up. They’re also central to many milestones along their journey to adulthood, such as the first tooth, brushing on their own, braces and retainers as well as those funny gap-toothed smiles when they lose a tooth. Most of the time, teeth are associated with fond memories.
However, they’re not always so “chipper.” That’s because the dreaded baby or toddler chipped tooth is also quite common during childhood. Thankfully, most kids experience a chipped tooth when their primary teeth are still present, which eventually will make way for their secondary or adult teeth.
The Super Dentists, San Diego’s premier pediatric dentistry, has dealt with our share of chipped teeth in the past. When a child’s chipped tooth occurs, parents have tons of questions – and we have the answers, so keep reading below!
How Common Are Chipped Teeth In Babies and Toddlers?
So just how common are chipped teeth for babies and toddlers? Much more common than you’d think. Youngsters are curious and love to explore – even in confined areas – and the occasional accident is bound to happen.
For example, a baby’s chipped front tooth could happen during all sorts of activities – bumping into things, falling when attempting to walk or chewing on a toy.
Take it from us here at The Super Dentists – a toddler’s chipped tooth is common and often isn’t a big deal. We’re always here to help with this common dental emergency!
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth
So your kid has a chipped tooth – what do you do next? The first thing to remember is to stay calm. Before you drive your kid to the dentist or hospital to receive care, follow these steps:
- Check to see if your child has trouble breathing or swallowing. This may indicate they’ve swallowed part of the chipped tooth. In this case, go to the emergency room immediately.
- Examine your child for any mouth trauma (bleeding, painful gums or jaw, etc.) If the injury seems especially urgent, go to urgent care or the emergency room. Otherwise, schedule an appointment with The Super Dentists.
- Try to find the missing tooth fragment (if not swallowed). If it’s small enough, there’s a chance it can be bonded back into place. If you’re fortunate enough to locate the missing chip, place it in a clean, airtight container and bring it with you to The Super Dentists.
To schedule an appointment during normal business hours, call us at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or text us at 1-844-765-1234. The Super Dentists is the #1 emergency kids dentist in San Diego. So if your kid chipped a tooth, we’re here to help!
Signs That Your Child Might Have Chipped Their Tooth
How can you tell if your baby has a chipped front tooth or your toddler has a chipped tooth? Some signs are obvious, while others are more subtle to detect. Here are some things to look for:
- Bleeding teeth or gums
- Pain near your child’s chipped tooth
- Trouble eating or talking
- Swelling of the gums or discoloration of your toddler’s chipped tooth
Depending on how young your child is, they might not be able to explain what happened, or even if they have a chipped tooth.
How to Temporary Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home
We don’t recommend trying to fix a child’s chipped tooth at home. In fact, attempts to fix a child or toddler’s chipped tooth on your own can actually make the problem worse. Instead, rely on a trained expert like you’ll find at The Super Dentists. We can provide the proper care required and get your kid back to eating and playing in no time.
When your kid has chipped their tooth, contact The Super Dentists immediately and we’ll address and fix your child’s chipped tooth as soon as possible!
What Will the Dentist Recommend For My Child’s Chipped Tooth?
The Super Dentists has helped hundreds of children with this particular dental emergency, and we’re here for your toddler’s chipped tooth. It’s common for parents to panic immediately after an accident resulting in a chipped tooth, but there’s no need as The Super Dentists will help restore your child’s smile right away!
After a thorough examination of your child’s chipped tooth, The Super Dentists have two options to fix it:
- Attach your kid’s/baby’s chipped front tooth fragment (if feasible).
- Apply a bonding material (for larger chipped teeth) after smoothing out any jagged or sharp edges from your kid’s chipped tooth.
Every chipped tooth is different and requires unique care (in the office and at home), but our dentists will ensure you have all the necessary instructions to properly care for the tooth at home. Depending on how your child’s chipped tooth was fixed, special dietary restrictions are also a possibility.
If your child’s chipped tooth is the result of cavities, The Super Dentists offers the best pediatric cavity services in Southern California. We’ll help your child establish the optimal dental care habits to strengthen their teeth and reduce the chance of chips and breaks. Make sure you book an appointment ASAP, and The Super Dentists will restore your child’s smile and confidence today!
