Tooth injuries, from minor chips to fractures, are quite common to kids, especially to those who are learning to walk or engaging in sports. Sometimes, even teeth grinding and eating certain foods like ice or hard candy can also damage the teeth.
As a parent, you may already know what to do when your child has scrapes or bruises. But do you know how to handle chipped or broken teeth? To help you, here are some tips from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) you should consider:
- Go to Your Pediatric Dentist
When your child’s tooth, whether permanent or baby tooth, is chipped, cracked, or broken, the best thing to do is to consult your pediatric dentist immediately. Even small chips can lead to a painful collection of pus called abscess or other dental problems. To avoid further issues, have your dentist check your child’s teeth.
- Gather the Fragments
If your child’s tooth gets chipped or broken, try to gather all the fragments you can find and store them in a clean container of either milk, saliva, or cold water. Your dentist might still be able to use the fragments to restore or repair your child’s tooth. If not, your tooth doctor can use fillings instead.
- Rinse Your Child’s Mouth With Warm Water
Chipped or cracked teeth can easily get infected with the bacteria in the mouth, especially when the pulp is exposed. If this happens, it can lead to an abscess. One effective way to avoid infection is to rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
- Have Your Child Bite Down on a Wet Gauze
If you notice any bleeding in your kid’s mouth, hold a wet piece of gauze to the injured tooth. You may also have your child bite down on it. This will help stop the bleeding.
Get in Touch With Pillar Dental Today!
If your child’s tooth gets broken or chipped, reach out to Pillar Dental right away. We have friendly and experienced pediatric dentists who are knowledgeable about taking care of the oral health of children. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!