If your child loves to participate in sports or has a habit of biting on hard, inedible objects, they may accidentally chip their tooth at some point. But don’t worry, this is much more common than you may think.
Fortunately, you can help your child regain a healthy smile by taking the right steps. So keep reading to learn what you can do if your child has a chipped tooth.
Common Causes of Chipped or Broken Teeth in Children
Children, especially toddlers and school-aged kids, are more prone to dental injuries due to developing motor skills and active play. Injuries can occur at any time and for several reasons, some of which include:
- Sports or play: Active children who participate in contact sports like basketball, soccer, or baseball are more likely to experience dental trauma if they don’t wear a mouthguard.
- Accidents or falls: A sudden fall on the playground or a slip at home may result in a chipped or broken tooth.
- Tooth decay: If your child’s teeth are already weakened by cavities, they are more prone to chipping.
- Biting hard food or objects: Children who bite on hard, inedible objects like pencils or have the habit of nail-biting may experience small tooth chips or cracks.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Chipped Tooth
A small chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can cause future issues if ignored. So if your child has accidentally damaged or chipped a tooth, it is best to get in touch with a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. A same-day appointment may be necessary to prevent the risk of further damage or infection.
Before reaching the dental office, here are some first-aid steps you can take for damage control:
- Check your child’s mouth carefully, looking for any sharp edges on the chipped tooth or bleeding.
- Ask your child to carefully remove any loose tooth fragments from their mouth to avoid swallowing or choking.
- If you can find the chipped or broken piece, keep it moist (saline, milk, or child’s saliva) and place it in a container of milk. Bring it along to the appointment.
- Gently rinse your child’s mouth with lukewarm water to help clean the area and reduce the chance of infection. If there’s bleeding, apply light pressure with clean gauze.
Can My Child’s Chipped Tooth Be Fixed?
If a permanent tooth is fractured or knocked out, prompt dental care—ideally within an hour—greatly improves the outcome. For baby teeth, the goal is to relieve pain and protect the underlying adult tooth. Fortunately, a chipped tooth can be restored. Your child’s dentist may recommend one of these treatment options to address the damage:
- Dental bonding: For small chips, a tooth-colored resin material can be used to rebuild the missing part. Dental bonding is safe and typically comfortable for children; local anesthesia may be used if deeper layers are exposed.
- Veneers: In older teens with fully developed permanent teeth, veneers or composite veneers may be considered for aesthetic restoration.
- Dental crowns: If the tooth is severely chipped or damaged, a stainless steel or tooth-colored dental crown can strengthen the remaining structure. In some cases, a pulpotomy (baby root canal) might be necessary to save the primary tooth, or a full root canal for a permanent tooth.
Conclusion
If your child has a chipped tooth, dealing with this situation can be stressful. However, with prompt care, you can help restore their smile. Contact Dr. Neil Dean and his team at KC Kids Dental for a same-day appointment. We will examine their teeth and suggest the most effective treatment option. Call us today at (816) 670-3450 to schedule a visit.
