Find Out What Happened – Did Your Child Fall or Run Into Something?
How long has it been since your toddler chipped a tooth? The first thing you should do is figure out how it happened. If they fell or ran into something, there’s a chance that other teeth could be damaged too. They may also have bruises or cuts on their head. Check for these things and if you find anything, take your child to a doctor right away.
If your child chipped the tooth by biting into something hard, there’s a chance that the damage is limited to only that tooth. However, you should still take them to see a pediatric dentist.
If It Hurts, Put a Cold Compress On It
If your toddler is in pain, you can put a cold compress on the affected area to ease their discomfort. Do this for about 15 minutes at a time and take a break in between. Make sure the compress isn’t too cold – wrap it in a towel if necessary.
You can also give your toddler over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen if they’re in a lot of pain. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Don’t Put Off Seeing the Dentist If Your Toddler Chipped a Tooth
If your toddler chipped a tooth and it didn’t hurt, you should still take them to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. This is because the sooner the tooth is fixed, the less chance there is of further damage or infection. A pediatric dentist will be able to tell you whether your child needs a simple filling or a more complex procedure.
In the meantime, try to keep your child from playing with the damaged tooth. They could end up hurting themselves further or making the damage worse. If your toddler chipped a front tooth, you may want to feed them soft foods until the tooth is fixed.
Clean the Chipped Tooth Diligently
After you’ve taken your toddler to a dentist, it’s important to clean the chipped tooth thoroughly twice a day. This will help prevent infection and keep the tooth healthy.
Start by brushing your toddler’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be gentle around the chipped tooth. You can also use a Waterpik to flush out any food particles that may be stuck in the tooth.
Use a toddler-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth. You can also use a fluoride rinse if your dentist recommends it.
If Your Toddler Chipped a Tooth, Discoloration Is Normal
Keep in mind that if your toddler chipped a tooth, discoloration is to be expected. This is because the impact of the injury can cause blood vessels inside the tooth to burst. It’s just like a bruise – in most cases, the discoloration will go away on its own within a few weeks.
If the discoloration doesn’t go away or if it gets worse, contact your dentist. They may recommend a procedure to whiten the tooth.
A chipped tooth doesn’t have to ruin your toddler’s smile. With the right care, the tooth can be fixed and your toddler can go back to being their happy, playful self. Good luck!
Similar Posts:
- Iron Stains on Toddler Teeth: How to Prevent and Remove Them
- Dried Blood in Ears: Toddler Ear Bleeding and More
- Can I Use Orajel While Pregnant? Pregnancy-Safe Toothache Recommendations
- Toddler Hitting Himself: 6 Causes and Ways to Stop It
- Toddler Swallowed a Penny? What to Do and Where to Get Help?
