Accidents happen. If your baby has a chipped tooth, however, you shouldn’t brush it aside even if your child doesn’t seem to be in pain.
Baby teeth are small and fragile. Therefore, any sort of chip, as small as it may seem, can actually be damaging to the tooth root and expose the area to infection. There may even be small cracks in a tooth even when there doesn’t seem to be any damage at all. While you should contact your dentist right away if your baby chips a tooth, there are simple solutions that you can do at home before you go to the dentist’s office.
1. Don’t Panic
Panicking is only going to make things worse. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and proceed with a clear mind. It may seem impossible to do, but it will prevent you from making any rash decisions that may actually harm your baby more than help it.
2. Save the Evidence
If possible, save the tooth fragment in case your dentist can reattach it. Do not attempt to do this yourself, especially if your baby completely knocks out a tooth. This could be very damaging to your baby’s dental development.
3. Rinse and Compress
First, rinse your baby’s mouth with water to prevent any bacteria from growing in the affected area. Then apply a gentle cold compress on his or her face to prevent or reduce any swelling.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your pediatric dentist may suggest that they reposition the tooth or that your baby get a filling. We offer tooth-colored fillings to make sure that your baby has the most natural-looking smile!
At Growing Smiles, our dentists know exactly how to help babies, children, and adults alike feel comfortable and happy in the dentist’s chair. We understand how nervous and uneasy young patients can be, and we know exactly how to communicate with them so that they know that they are in trusted hands. If you need a dentist for your baby or child, contact us today!