Young children are pretty accident-prone. Many accidents can lead to the unfortunate but common injury of chipping a tooth. A wayward baseball or unexpected fall are just two of the accidents that can cause chipped teeth in children. It's far too easy to panic if your child injures their face and mouth; however, it's essential that you remain calm. In addition to not panicking, here are the steps you should take if your child chips a tooth.

What to do if Your Child Chips a Tooth

If your child chips a tooth, you should contact their dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will likely want to examine the chip to determine the best course of action. For example, if the chip is significant, the dentist might recommend a tooth extraction.

Here are some first steps you can take:

• Rinse your child's mouth with warm water to help reduce the chance of infection.
• Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and pain. The cold constricts blood vessels, which slows blood flow and helps minimize inflammation, numb the area, and stop any bleeding.
• If there is active bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth, such as gauze, a washcloth, or even tissues. If bleeding continues after applying pressure, contact your child's dentist immediately.
• If possible, store the chip in a container filled with milk or your child's saliva.

When you call your child's dentist, explain the situation as best you can, including what tooth was chipped, how it was chipped, if the child is in pain, and when the event happened. If possible, bring the fragment of the tooth with you to the appointment.

Depending on how the tooth was chipped, the dentist may smooth the edges and fill in the part that chipped off. For a permanent tooth that has been knocked out, the dentist can put it back in (reimplant) if it is done quickly.

Even a small chip or crack could have lasting consequences for your child's oral health, so it's imperative to always check with their dentist for the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Teeth

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Not all chipped teeth require an emergency dental appointment. Still, you should call your dentist immediately if your child's tooth is visibly cracked from top to bottom. You should also seek emergency dental treatment if they are experiencing uncontrollable bleeding, pain, or swelling. If the tooth is white, or white and dark brown or yellow, it's typically not an emergency.

Is a Root Canal Necessary for My Child's Chipped Tooth?

If your child has chipped one of their permanent teeth, there is a chance of infection. Signs of an infection can include pain, swelling in the mouth or throat, and bleeding gums. Once an infection affects the root of your tooth, antibiotics are usually not helpful. So, a root canal may be necessary to preserve the tooth. Your child's dentist can let you know what the best course of action is.

Did Your Child Chip a Tooth? Call Greer Dental Studio Today

At Greer Dental Studio, we are here for your child's routine and urgent dental needs, including chipped teeth. If your child chipped a tooth or is having other urgent issues with their teeth, our compassionate team is here to help. Contact us today at 864-259-2590 to learn more about our services or request an appointment online.

Parenthood involves many firsts and many questions. One of these firsts, which can also bring up many questions, is your child's first dental visit. If you have an infant or a young child, you might be wondering when they should first visit the dentist. While they certainly don't need to see the dentist as early or as frequently as the pediatrician when they are young, you shouldn't overlook the importance of the first and future routine dental exams.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?

Your child's first dental visit can help them feel comfortable with the dentist and set the stage for future dental visits. Most dental professionals recommend that young children have their first dental visit by 12 months of age or within six months of the first tooth coming in.

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

Your child's first dental visit will usually last 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on how old they are, the visit may include a complete exam of their teeth, jaw, bite, gums, and oral tissues.

Your child may also have a gentle cleaning during this visit if the dentist deems it necessary. A cleaning usually includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may also show you and your child how to clean their teeth at home properly, and discuss the need for fluoride.

Since baby teeth will fall out, X-rays typically aren't taken during this visit or others when your child is young. However, their dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, if they suspect problems, depending on your child's age. Generally speaking, young children shouldn't have dental X-rays unless absolutely necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Dentistry

How Can I Protect My Child's Teeth at Home?

You can take many steps at home to help protect your child's teeth:

• Before their first teeth come in, clean their gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth
• Once teeth have erupted, brush with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very minimal amount of toothpaste
• Avoid giving your child any bottles of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap
• Help your child brush their own teeth until they are about 7 or 8 years old
• Have your child watch you brush so they can follow the same brushing pattern
• Limit or avoid foods and treats that increase tooth decay

How Often Should My Child See a Dentist?

Young children should have a dental check-up every six months to prevent cavities and other dental issues. However, speak to your child's pediatric dentist, as the frequency of your child's visits should be based on their personal dental health and needs.

Pediatric Dentistry at Greer Dental Studio

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further than the dental professionals at Greer Dental Studio. We are highly experienced in providing compassionate and professional dental care to children of all ages. We look forward to partnering with you to give your child the healthiest smile possible. Whether it's their first dental exam or a subsequent one, we are here for you.

Contact us today at 864-259-2590 or request an appointment online.