What should I do if my child chips a tooth?

Accidents happen, and chipped teeth are a common reason parents call us.

Answer: If your child chips a tooth, the first step is to stay calm and take a look. Check for pain, bleeding, or any sharp edges. You can gently rinse the area with water and use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth if there’s swelling.

Even small chips are worth having evaluated. Sometimes they’re purely cosmetic, but other times they may need smoothing, monitoring, or treatment depending on the size and location.

If you locate the chipped fragment, place it in a clean container with milk, saliva, or saline solution. This can help preserve the fragment in case we’re able to reattach it.

And if you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to call. We’re happy to walk you through what to do next.

Even if the chip seems minor, a dental evaluation is important to determine the extent of the injury. The dentist will check for:

• Damage to the enamel or pulp — chips that expose the inner layers of the tooth can increase the risk of sensitivity, pain, or infection

• Fractures below the gumline — these may not be visible but can affect the tooth’s stability

• Injury to surrounding teeth or soft tissues — dental trauma can impact more than just the tooth that appears chipped.

We’re here to help for the unexpected moments, too!