Kids aren’t always gentle, even to themselves. Their high-energy antics, jumping off the bed, roughhousing at home and the introduction of sports make for plenty of opportunities to chip a tooth (or two).

While no parent likes the idea of their child getting hurt, a chipped baby tooth is a common experience and often unavoidable. When your kid chips a baby tooth the experience can be overwhelming, but there are things you can do to stay calm and in control.

If your kid chips a baby tooth, there are a few things you can do to make the situation better.

If your child shows up with a broken tooth, follow these simple steps:

  • Stay Calm – Rest assured, although this can be a scary experience, it is completely normal. Baby teeth are chipped all the time, and your dentist is prepared to help you. The most important thing is to stay calm so your child also stays calm. Hysterics at the dentist’s office won’t make the situation better.
  • Inspect the Mouth – The first thing you want to do (after taking a deep breath) is check the mouth. Look for any piece of the tooth lodged in the mouth or for bleeding. If you see bleeding, use wet gauze on the area until the bleeding stops.
  • Apply Ice: If the chipped tooth is a result of impact from a ball, toy, sports, or fall, ask if your child is in pain. Use ice on the cheek or lips to alleviate swelling and provide pain relief.

When a kid chips a baby tooth, it is a good idea to apply ice on the spot.

  • Preserve the Fragment – If you find any piece of the missing tooth, save it in a cup of milk until you get to the dentist’s office. In some situations, the dentist may be able to use a special glue to reattach the tooth in the office.
  • Call Your Dentist – At Kemper, we will see any chipped teeth the next available day. Our process for chipped teeth may alter depending on the age of the kid but will include the following steps:

Step 1: The first step is to x-ray the tooth to see if the root is exposed

When a kid chips a baby tooth, the first thing a dentist does is x-raying the tooth to see whether the root is exposed.

Step 2: If the nerve is not exposed, we will monitor the tooth for 6 weeks to see if the tooth dies. If the tooth abscess’s nerve therapy and a filling can be done or the tooth can be removed and may be replaced with a temporary appliance to maintain proper growth patterns.

Step 3: Determine the appropriate treatment method based on the health of the tooth, roots, and gums.

No matter how minor a chipped tooth may appear, it is always a good idea to have a dentist look at it. Only a dentist will have the ability to check the root and prevent infection or future dental problems.

The most common restorative solutions for a chipped tooth include the following:

Filing: If the chip is tiny, the dentist may be able to just file the tooth smoothly and in line with their other teeth. This pay maintains the natural feel and use of the tooth.

Bonding: This is using filling material on the tooth’s surface to fill in the chipped area. For a significant chip without any root damage, this is the most common, simple, and inexpensive route. The tooth can be matched to the other teeth, the process is completed in one visit and fully functional.

Veneers: Veneers are more expensive, but also a permanent solution for chips in full-grown teeth.  Instead of filling in the chipped area, veneers are resin or porcelain coverings affixed to the front of the chipped tooth. They’re an excellent option to provide both a functional restorative solution and cosmetic repair.

Commit To Home Dental Care

Hopefully, you and your kid never have to endure a chipped tooth. But if an accident results in a chipped tooth, understanding your care and treatment options can make a big difference. A chipped tooth can be a growing moment to teach your child about taking care of themselves and their oral care. If your kid chips a baby tooth, give us a call!