Chipped a Tooth? Here’s What to Do Next

What to Do When Your Child Chips a Tooth

Chipping a tooth can catch any parent off guard. One moment your child is playing, and the next they are standing in front of you with a broken smile. The good news is that a chipped tooth is very manageable when you know the right steps to take. Here is exactly what to do.

Step 1: Save the Chip

Pick up the broken piece carefully and place it in a small plastic bag. Add a few drops of water inside the bag to keep it slightly moist. Do not scrub it or wrap it in tissue. Keeping it intact gives your dentist the best chance of reattaching it.

Step 2: Protect the Gap

If the chip left a noticeable space in your child’s mouth, place a small piece of sugar-free gum over it. This keeps bacteria and food particles out while you wait for your appointment.

Step 3: Call Your Dentist Right Away

Time matters with a chipped tooth. Call your dentist as soon as possible. Most offices accept same-day emergency appointments for situations like this. If it happens over the weekend, leave a voicemail and follow up first thing Monday morning.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, if the tooth is not broken across the nerve, a dentist can etch the enamel on both the existing tooth and the chip, apply a light-cured adhesive, and bond the two pieces back together. In many cases the result looks completely natural.

Step 4: Prevent It From Happening Again

Once your child’s tooth is taken care of, talk to your dentist about prevention. A custom sports mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect your child’s teeth during physical activity. Being mindful of hard foods like ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels also goes a long way.

At Adventure Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful for both kids and parents. As a trusted childrens dentist in Las Vegas, we are here to walk you through every step calmly and carefully. Your child’s smile is in good hands.

If your little one chips a tooth, do not wait. Contact Adventure Smiles Pediatric Dentistry right away. As your go-to childrens dentist in Las Vegas, we will do everything we can to restore your child’s smile quickly, gently, and with the least amount of stress possible.