What to Do if Your Child Chips a Tooth

Slips, falls, and playtime mishaps are all a regular part of childhood. A stumble during sports or an overenthusiastic jump off the couch can leave your child with a chipped tooth. It happens more often than you might expect, so it’s smart as a parent to stay calm and know what to do. Here’s a quick parent’s guide for immediate steps after your child chips a tooth and how your dentist in Vaughan can help. And if the unthinkable has happened, contact Mackenzie Dental for an emergency dentist in Vaughan to spare your child unnecessary pain and prevent future issues. 

Stay Calm & Assess the Damage

Your first job is to stay calm, as your child will take emotional cues from you. Ease their fear by staying composed. Now, rinse their mouth with warm water to remove any dirt and take a gentle look inside. Is the tooth visibly chipped? Is it cracked? Look for bleeding, gum swelling, or signs of severe pain.

Apply mild pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to stanch any bleeding. Try keeping the injured tooth area elevated to slow the blood flow. A cold compress against the outside of the cheek helps with swelling and discomfort. Do not wait if your child is in visible pain—call your emergency dentist in Vaughan right away.

Save the Tooth Fragment (If You Can)

If a piece of the tooth has broken off and you’re able to find it, your dentist in Vaughan may use it for restoration. Handle the fragment carefully and rinse it gently with water. Then, place it in milk to preserve the cells and increase the chances your dentist can reattach it. Be careful not to handle the root if the whole tooth has come out. Pick it up by the chewing surface (crown) only.  

Call Your Emergency Dentist in Vaughan 

Now that you’ve dealt with the chipped tooth basics, call your child’s dentist in Vaughan. Minor chips or tooth cracks might not hurt right away, but they can cause sensitivity, infections, or alignment issues later. Most dental clinics in Vaughan, including Mackenzie Dental Centre, give emergency appointments to assess and support you in emergency dental situations. Make sure to describe the situation clearly. Include details about the pain level and location of the chip or crack. 

Treatment Possibilities for a Chipped Tooth

Your dentist in Vaughan will examine the chip and assess the extent of the damage. The correct dental treatment will depend on the tooth’s location, your child’s age, and chip severity: 

• Minor chips may simply be smoothed out or filled with bonding material matching your child’s natural tooth colour. The restoration is nearly invisible after polishing! 
• Dentists in Vaughan often use composite resin to restore shape and protect the tooth’s interior in moderate chips.
• Larger breaks could need a crown, composite repair, or pulp therapy for exposed nerves. Crown options include porcelain and the newer porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns for a natural finish with added durability. 

Final Thoughts

Your child’s chipped tooth can be distressing, but quick thinking and your trusted dentist in Vaughan can dispel the blues. Remember—calm, fast action is crucial.

Unsure about how serious the injury is? Consult a qualified emergency dentist in Vaughan at the Mackenzie Dental Centre. Dr. Lloyd Pedvis and his team are there when you need us. 

Call us anytime for urgent appointments for chips or more complex dental emergencies. Because your child’s smile deserves the very best care. 

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