What To Do If Your Child Chips a Tooth: Your Step-By-Step Guide

Nobody wants to go through a dental emergency, but accidents happen, and it’s important to be prepared. Chipped teeth are a common problem in kids, and can happen if they’re horsing around, if they slip and fall, or even if they are accidentally hit hard while playing sports like soccer. 

In fact, it’s been estimated that up to 50% of kids will suffer a tooth injury during childhood. So in this guide from Vivid Smiles, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on what you should do if your child chips one of their teeth. Let’s get started.

1. Stay Calm And Comfort Your Child

First and foremost, don’t panic. Remain calm, and do your best to comfort your child. Your little one is likely in a lot of pain and distress, but you should remain level headed and do your best to comfort them after their injury. 

You may also want to recover the tooth chips, if possible. Your dentist may be able to re-attach them to your child’s tooth to restore it. 

2. Treat Pain, Discomfort, And Bleeding

A chipped tooth can be very painful, particularly if it’s a deep chip or crack that exposes the nerve underneath the tooth. There are a few steps you can take to help with pain and discomfort.

First, an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Motrin can help with pain and discomfort. You can also apply an ice pack to the outside of your child’s mouth near the injured tooth to help numb the area and help with inflammation and swelling.

If your child’s tooth is bleeding or their gums are bleeding, you should rinse their mouth with water. Then, you can use clean gauze, paper towels, or cotton balls to absorb the blood. Have your child hold the absorbent material in place with steady pressure until the flow of blood lessens.

3. Take A Look At The Tooth To Determine The Extent Of Damage And Call A Dentist

A very small chip may not even cause your child any discomfort, and may primarily be a cosmetic problem. In this case, you may not need to see a dentist right away. You may be able to wait a day or two, if necessary.

However, if it seems like a large piece of the tooth is missing and you see any pink discoloration, this means the nerve is exposed, and your child needs to get treatment right away. In general, it’s a good idea to get same-day care even if you think the chip is minor.

In addition, you should always see a dentist if your child’s tooth is cracked. Even a minor crack can result in tooth decay and infection if it’s not treated right away.

Regardless of how much damage is done to your child’s tooth, call Vivid Smiles right away to get help from Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri or Dr. Nilanchal Sahai. A dentist can assess the damage to your child’s tooth and recommend the proper treatment to restore their smile.

Get Help For A Cracked Tooth From Vivid Smiles – Call Now For Same-Day Care

If your little one has a cracked or damaged tooth, Dr. Paruchuri or Dr. Sahai can help with treatments like fillings, dental bonding, dental crowns, and root canal therapy. We offer a full range of restorative dentistry treatments, and can provide your little one with the care they need to save their tooth and restore their oral health. 

Not only that, but we offer same-day emergency care for kids of all ages in Terre Haute. To get the help you need, just call us at (812) 803-2340. We’ll see you and your little one as soon as we can.