Accidents happen, and children are especially prone to them with all their wobbly, excited energy. One moment they’re running around happily, and the next, they’re crying because they’ve chipped a tooth! In this situation, it’s important not to panic, even if you really want to. However, the only way to achieve calm when you’re dealing with a chipped tooth is to know what you’re doing! Continue reading to find an emergency guide on the steps to take if your child chips a tooth.
Step 1: Don’t Feed the Energy and Assess
When your child is in pain and crying, it’s natural instinct to want to match their panicked energy. However, doing this may make the situation worse. Once you find the scene, take a moment to compose yourself before assessing the situation. This will help your child start to calm down and give you an opportunity to think clearly.
Step 2: Rinse and Spit
If there’s bleeding, have your child rinse their mouth gently with warm water and spit into a cup. This helps clean the area and allows you to see the injury more clearly. It also catches any fragments of your child’s tooth that might still be in their mouth, so they don’t swallow them.
Step 3: Call Their Dentist
Contact your child’s dentist as soon as possible. Explain the situation and describe the injury as best as you can. Their dentist will guide you on the next steps and schedule an appointment to evaluate and treat the chipped tooth. What matters now is that you act quickly to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
Step 4: Provide Comfort
Chipping a tooth can be a frightening experience for everyone, let alone a child. The next step is to assess their pain and try to help them find some relief. Cold compresses can do wonders for pain and swelling, so let them hold it against their cheek in 20-minute intervals, allowing 30 minutes in between. You can also help distract them from the pain by offering to watch movies or simply spending time with them.
Step 5: See Their Dentist
Once it’s time for their appointment, take your child to see their dentist. There, they’ll undergo an examination and receive appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the chip, this could mean a filling, bonding, or if the tooth becomes infected, pulp treatment or extraction.
Knowing how to respond quickly and with compassion when your child has a chipped tooth can make a significant difference in the outcome. By staying calm, seeking care quickly, and following professional advice, you can help ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright!
About the Practice
If your child has a chipped tooth in Newark, Newpark Mall Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help set things right. Our dedicated pediatric dental experts have the skills to relieve their pain and get their smile looking good as new! Call (510) 800-8256 to schedule an emergency dental appointment for your child or visit our website to see a full menu of treatments we offer to our young patients.