{"id":53,"date":"2019-11-06T15:40:09","date_gmt":"2019-11-06T15:40:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kids-dentistry.com\/blog\/?p=53"},"modified":"2019-12-13T20:22:30","modified_gmt":"2019-12-13T20:22:30","slug":"emergency-dentist-for-kids-how-to-handle-a-chipped-tooth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kids-dentistry.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/06\/emergency-dentist-for-kids-how-to-handle-a-chipped-tooth\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Can Do If Your Child Has a Chipped Tooth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When your child chips a tooth at home, you might be tempted to go into panic mode; however, with a young one watching your every move, you know that freaking out might not be the best course of action. Instead, staying calm, calling your emergency dentist for kids, and ensuring your little one receives the care they need are the best things you can do. But what if you can\u2019t get them in to see the dentist right away? Here\u2019s what you should do if your favorite smile chips a tooth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to Explain the Problem to Your Child<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not only is it important that you remain calm, but you\u2019ll\nalso need to work to keep your child from panicking. This type of emergency can\nbe frightening, so it\u2019s best if you take the time to talk to your little one\nand help them to understand that everything will be okay. A soothing voice reassuring\ntone can go a long way with a child, so by informing them that their tooth has\na \u201cboo boo\u201d and explaining the situation so they can understand at their level,\nthis will make it much less scary.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expect Some Discoloration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not unlikely for a chipped tooth to become discolored. This\noccurs because of damage to the blood vessels inside the tooth. While the\ndiscoloration is only temporary (usually), this can be alarming at first. Upon\nimpact, the blood begins to turn the tooth a different color (i.e. brown,\nblack, red, or grey). Once these vessels start to heal, you can expect the\ntooth to return to its normal color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the tooth remains discolored after being treated,\nmake sure you have it checked again. It might be that there is additional\ndamage or infection and further treatment may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Care of the Tooth <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you\u2019re able to meet with your child\u2019s dentist, make\nsure you have them rinse their mouth thoroughly. This will help should any\nbleeding occur. It is likely they will be experiencing some pain when the\ninjury happens, so the use of a cold compress can help to reduce any discomfort\nthey feel. If they are of the appropriate age, an over-the-counter pain reliever\nsuch as Tylenol can also help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget, if you child asks for something to eat, make\nsure they do not chew on the side with the injured tooth, as this could cause\nadditional damage to the tooth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch for Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When any kind of damage or trauma occurs, it\u2019s important\nthat you watch for signs of an infection or abscess. Depending on how forceful\nthe impact, the tooth may begin to die over time. A chipped tooth can result in\ntiny cracks extending to the inner pulp of the tooth, causing immense pain and\na possible abscess. If you notice that your child is complaining or exhibiting\nany of the following signs, get them to the emergency dentist as soon as\npossible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n