Dealing with a Chipped Tooth? Here’s What You Need to Know
A chipped tooth is a common problem that plagues children. Cavities are quite common in children. More often than not, these cavities are what lead to chipped teeth. Similarly, children can also chip a tooth by biting hard into a nut or candy. The truth is the problem of a chipped tooth is not that rare, especially in children. The good news is this is a problem that can be easily solved.
In this article, we cover all there is to know about the problem of chipped teeth.
What Is the First Thing You Should Do If Your Child Develops a Chipped Tooth?
While the problem of chipped teeth is a common one, it is not a life-threatening problem. However, it is also not a problem that you can ignore. If your child has developed a chipped tooth, the first thing you must do is visit a dentist. When a tooth chips, the enamel becomes exposed. Exposed enamel provides the route through which bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause an infection. This, in turn, can lead to an abscess and even tooth loss. Thus, immediately book an appointment with a specialist if you are dealing with this problem.
Here’s What the Specialist/Dentist Will Do
In most cases, a chipped tooth does not require any significant treatment. However, it is best to go prepared. Here’s what your dentist/specialist will most likely do.
The first thing they will do is check the damaged tooth and see if it requires any action or surgery. If the tooth is only slightly chipped, your dentist will at best polish the teeth to smooth out the edges and restore the shape of the tooth. Some dentists, these days, prefer to use bonding material to mend a chipped tooth as bonding materials do an excellent job of restoring a tooth to its original structure. Similarly, some doctors also recommend porcelain veneers for slightly chipped teeth.
However, if the tooth has chipped badly, leaving the enamel exposed, chances of infection increase considerably. In this case, your dentist may decide to perform corrective surgery immediately to preserve the remaining tooth.
Here’s What You Should Do Before That
We have already said this a couple of times — if your child has developed a chipped tooth, immediately visit a dentist. However, before you reach the dentist, here are a few things you must do.
First, if the chipped tooth is bleeding, ask your child to rinse their mouth with warm water — this will reduce bleeding as well as pain. Sensitivity around the chipped tooth is common and thus, you must only use warm water. After you have made them rinse their mouth thoroughly, give them a gauze to put over the affected area. Applying pressure on this gauze and using an ice pack will help your kid keep swelling away. If you have any dental cement at home, you can use it to cover the chipped part. In case, dental cement is not available, simply ask your kid to chew a piece of gum. However, whatever you do, do not give your child pain-relieving medication as it can lead to side-effects.
Conclusion
If you are a parent, chances are you will find yourself dealing with the problem of your child developing a chipped tooth at least once in your life. When that happens, be smart and immediately see a dentist.
For more information regarding having a chipped tooth, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!