What parents should do when a child gets a chipped tooth
If your child got a chipped tooth, rinse his/her mouth with water and contact the dentist. Apply a cold pack to the cheek for swelling and store any fragments of the tooth.
A playground fall can turn into a rush to the hospital very fast. According to a 2025 report by the CDC, tooth disorders led to almost 2 million emergency department visits annually. Knowing what to do in case of a tooth emergency will help you decide on the right next step for your child.
Check More Than the Chipped Tooth
Help your child stop playing and sit down calmly. Look for bleeding while trying not to touch the injured tooth, and ask the child where it hurts.
Call 911 if there is difficulty breathing or a loss of consciousness. If bleeding continues more than 10 minutes after putting pressure on the area with a clean gauze, get immediate medical attention.
HealthyChildren.org explains these urgent warning signs to help you understand what symptoms need emergency care. A small chipped tooth and a serious dental injury to the mouth should be considered differently.
Make the Dental Call Count
Tell the dental office when the accident occurred and whether the tooth is permanent. Also, mention if there is severe pain or a red spot inside the crack that indicates the exposure of the inner tissue.
When contacting an emergency pediatric dentist, ask how quickly your child needs an examination. Let the dental office know if the bite changed.
Every chipped tooth needs a call within 24 hours. Cases with severe pain or a displaced tooth require an urgent visit.
Help Your Child Feel Comfortable
Put the cold pack in a thin cloth and put it against the cheek. You should never apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gums because it will hurt the tissue.
For a toothache, ask the dentist about medication that may be suited for your child. Read the instructions on the label and do not exceed the dose.
Learn to Recognize Tooth Movement
A tooth knocked loose may have damage beyond the visible chip. Do not wiggle it to see how loose it is.
If the whole baby tooth fell out, never put it back. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle only its crown and seek dental care.
If you cannot safely put the permanent tooth back, carry it in milk. Don’t waste time looking for missing fragments.
Understand the Tooth Treatment
Methods of chipped tooth repair depend on the extent of damage. This can include reattachment of the fragment or adding a filling.
If it is a badly broken tooth, a crown may be needed. If the inner tissue was damaged, additional treatment could be required. However, a developing permanent tooth does not always have to get a root canal.
Get Ready for the Next Step
After getting a chipped tooth, follow the instructions of the dentist and inform him about any changes. Write down your questions to ask them during the next appointment.
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