It’s not unusual for a child to chip or crack a tooth. With littles constantly on the move, it’s natural that they may stumble at some point. If it happens, it’s important to bring your child to the dentist promptly for evaluation and possible treatment. The following guide explores what you need to know if this happens to your son or daughter.

What Are the Dangers of a Chipped Tooth?

It’s not always clear to the naked eye that a chip may be serious, since often, the damage looks relatively minor. However, slight imperfections like these could produce a minuscule opening that’s just large enough for bacteria to enter. As it infiltrates the tooth, it could eventually lead to a painful infection. In some cases, the chip could be deeper than you think. Your child’s dental provider will perform a comprehensive exam and take X-rays to determine the extent of the damage.

When to See a Dentist

Generally, you should always visit a professional if your child chips or cracks a tooth, since you can’t be sure about the severity of the damage. In many cases, there may not even be pain. Sometimes a slight chip can occur while eating something hard or crunchy. This might not cause much discomfort, but pain could develop suddenly. You can help your child avoid a problem by scheduling a prompt appointment to rule out worse damage.

What to Do While You Wait

Even if a chipped or cracked tooth doesn't hurt, it can still develop an infection. For this reason, the mouth should be rinsed with warm salt water to wash away debris, bacteria, and any bleeding, minimizing the likelihood of developing an infection. If there is blood, you can roll up a wad of gauze and place it on the affected area while applying gentle pressure to reduce pain. If there’s swelling, you can hold a cold compress over the area. If you can find the chipped or broken part of the tooth, store it and bring it to the dentist for your child’s appointment since they might be able to reattach it. 

How Is a Chipped Tooth Treated?

After examination, the tooth can sometimes be reattached. If it’s jagged or has sharp points, it may need to be contoured to smooth it out. In some cases, a bonding solution can be used to fill in the gap in your child’s mouth. At-home care may involve avoiding hard foods, such as caramel and apples, and sticking with soft foods and liquids while the area heals.

If your child chips a tooth, visit Dr. Mead & Dr. Houston Dentistry in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Proudly serving the community for over 30 years, this team is committed to your child’s dental health. Turn to them for everything from general cleaning to comprehensive oral exams. Visit the website for more information about their pediatric services, or call (928) 855-5061 to schedule an appointment with the dentist.