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Bumps and falls are a part of childhood, but if your child chips a tooth, you need to take care of it quickly. Damaging baby teeth opens the door for other oral health issues. Use these tips to tend to your child and get them help from a pediatric dentist.

What to Do When Your Child Chips a Tooth

1. Call a Pediatric Dentist

No matter how insignificant the chip seems, contact a pediatric dentist. Breakage will weaken the tooth. If the root chamber is exposed, decay-causing bacteria can cause serious infections.

pediatric dentistYour child’s dentist will first examine the chip to see how it’s affected the tooth. Depending on the severity, they may use dental bonding to reshape the tooth or apply a dental crown to protect it.

2. Rinse

Have your child carefully swish warm saltwater around their mouth to kill decay-causing bacteria and remove food lodged around the tooth. If they’re in pain, give them lukewarm water. If the tooth root is exposed, hot water may lead to discomfort.

3. Apply a Cold Compress

If swelling develops around the chipped tooth, apply a cold compress. Have your child rest it against the outside of their cheek for 15 minutes. Then remove it for 15 minutes, and repeat as necessary. You can also give them ibuprofen for pain relief.

4. Take Preventative Measures

Prevent future incidents by asking the pediatric dentist about a custom mouthguard for contact sports or high-risk activities. Also, make sure your child knows to never chew ice or non-edible objects or use their teeth as tools.

 

If your child has chipped a tooth, bring them to Honolulu Keiki Dental. Based in Honolulu since 1982, Dean T. Sueda, DDS, MS, and his team offer a variety of services in a kid-friendly environment, including preventative treatment, orthodontic care, and restorative dentistry. Call (808) 944-1603 to schedule an exam, and visit their website to explore their services further. You can also find more dental care tips on Facebook.

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