Chipping a tooth is not uncommon for children, especially when they roughhouse during sports or play. But you might wonder whether to take your kid in to see a children’s dentist. Even if they don't appear to be uncomfortable, timely treatment is essential for restoring the health of their smile. Take a look at the following guide to determine how to care for your child. 

Why do Chips Need Professional Care? 

Chipped teeth tend to throw off the angle of the bite and cause an uneven amount of wear. Having a children’s dentist repair the break will stabilize your child's teeth and prevent further issues. 

It’s always better to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later. This will give the dentist a chance to examine the chip before it fully heals and provide a treatment that preserves the integrity of the tooth. 

Home Remedies to Use Before Seeing a Dentist

If you can’t get in right away to see a dentist, you can take steps to provide relief in the meantime. Check that there are no fragments stuck in your child's lips, gums, or tongue. If there are, carefully pick out the pieces and store them in a glass of milk—a dentist may be able to reinstall these pieces. Help your child clean their mouth by rinsing with water. 

If they're experiencing discomfort, have them take a child’s pain reliever and hold a cold washcloth to their face to help reduce any swelling. If any of the teeth are bleeding, place a piece of damp gauze on the wound. 

Treatment Options to Consider

A chip along the surface of a tooth will only need a simple filling. This new coating of material will cover the damage. A crown is fitted on top of a larger chip to protect the tooth interior and restore the bite. 

Damage that reaches below the gum line may require an emergency root canal. This procedure involves removing any infected inner pulp and rebuilding the tooth structure to reduce the risk of widespread infection. 

If your child chips a tooth, reach out to Pedodontic Associates. For more than 25 years, these children’s dentists have provided quality dental care throughout Honolulu, Central Oahu, and Maui. They maintain accreditations with the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to provide the most reliable services. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu office, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. Visit their website for more information on their offerings.