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It’s not uncommon for children to have accidents while playing. However, when your child chips their tooth, it’s important to understand what to do next to avoid long-term damage to their smile. Alaska Dentistry for Kids, the leading kids’ dentist in Anchorage, shares a few steps a parent should take if their child has a chipped tooth. 

What You Should Do When Your Child Chips Their Tooth

1. Find the Missing Piece

children's dentistTry to locate the missing piece from the tooth, as this could be used to repair the chip. Even if it can’t be reattached, the dentist will be able to reconstruct the tooth by using it as a reference for the original shape. When you find the piece, it’s important to keep it moist by storing it in saliva or milk until you reach a kids’ dentist. 

2. Apply a Cold Compress

Your child might experience swelling in the mouth or gums after being in an accident that chipped their tooth. Inspect the mouth to ensure there are no punctures or pieces of tooth stuck in their gums, lips, or tongue. You can help reduce the pain and bleeding by washing out their mouth and applying a cold compress, whether it’s an instant cold pack or homemade ice bag. 

3. Call the Dentist

Since a chipped tooth is considered a dental emergency, call a children’s dentist as soon as possible. If the chip is severe enough, it could leave the nerve endings of the tooth exposed, which will cause your child pain until it’s repaired. If the tooth can’t be reattached, your child might receive a dental bonding or crown as a permanent solution.

If your child has a chipped tooth, take them to a kids’ dentist who you can trust to provide them with the highest quality care. The skilled professionals at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage will assess the severity of the injury and determine the best course of treatment. Call the office today at (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their full list of services. 

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