If you’re a new parent, much of your time is devoted to keeping your little one safe. As babies
move closer to their toddler years and begin exploring for themselves, accidents can happen.
Children who have some of their primary teeth in—or, babies older than six months or one
year—can be prone to chipping their teeth.
A chipped tooth has the potential to cause your baby discomfort, so what can you do if this
happens? Here’s how you can treat your baby’s chipped tooth until you can get to your child-
friendly dentist.
Contact Your Dentist
If you’re able, contact your child’s dentist after you notice your baby’s tooth has been chipped.
Your dentist can provide you with more specific instructions about what to do, and may even
be able to squeeze you in for an appointment.
Your dentist may want to know if the tooth is bleeding, if the tooth fragment has been found,
or if your child appears to be in pain. It’s a good idea to keep contact information for your
child’s dentist and pediatrician on hand for events such as these.
Rinse and Store
If you’re able to find the fragment of your child’s tooth, you can rinse it gently with water and store in saliva, milk, or water until you can bring it to the dentist. In the meantime, you can gently rinse your baby’s mouth with warm water—this is especially important to do if you cannot locate the tooth fragment and there’s a chance it may still be in your child’s mouth.
Your dentist can provide you with further instructions about storing the tooth fragment until
you can get in for an appointment. In some cases, as long as the tooth fragment is kept moist,
your dentist may still be able to reattach it to your child’s tooth.
Utilize a Cold Compress
If your baby appears to be in pain, you can utilize a cold compress to reduce any discomfort or
swelling. Never give a baby any over-the-counter pain medication or numbing gel without first
consulting with your dentist or pediatrician.
Quick action after the accident can help prevent infection and discomfort, so never ignore your baby’s chipped tooth and always follow your dentist’s instructions for handling the problem to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Just because your baby’s primary tooth isn’t permanent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek
treatment for your child. A tooth chip can not only be painful, but can also allow bacteria to
enter the tooth root, which can cause an infection and even early tooth loss, which can disrupt
the alignment of the adult teeth that will come in in a few years.
By securing the tooth fragment if you’re able, rinsing your baby’s mouth, and keeping your baby comfortable, you can ensure your child is ready for their dentist appointment to repair the chipped tooth!
