What to Do When a Child Breaks a Tooth

A broken tooth can be a stressful situation for both the parent and the child. Children can have a hard time understanding why their teeth are hurting. Parents may be concerned that their child may swallow the tooth fragments.

Cute little girl covers mouth what should you do about broken tooth

Here is what you may need to do when your child breaks a tooth.

  • Stay Calm

If your child is in pain or bleeding profusely, follow these next steps to help calm them down. The last thing you want to do is scare your child by overreacting to their injury. Instead, remain calm and help them stay calm as well.

  • Save the Fragment

If your child has chipped off part of the tooth, it's important to save that piece so the dentist can bond it back. If possible, rinse the piece with water to remove any debris and keep it in a wet cloth or gauze until you can get to your pediatric dentist's office.

  • Oral Rinse

Give your child an oral rinse that contains antiseptic properties to remove any piece of debris and to help alleviate some of the pain and irritation they may be feeling from the injury.

  • Cold Compress

Apply a cold pack or a washcloth that has been soaked in cold water to reduce any swelling and pain. Apply a cold pack over the same area for about 15-20 minutes.

  • Pain Management

After you've dealt with the bleeding and secured the tooth fragment for your pediatric dentist to examine, it's time to keep your child calm and pain-free. You can give them children's Tylenol, acetaminophen, or other appropriate over-the-counter pain medication.

  • Call Our Pediatric Dentist

If your child has broken or knocked out a tooth, there's still a chance that the tooth can be saved if it reaches the dentist fast. Make sure the tooth is intact and hasn't been damaged. The pediatric dentist at Little Bytes may be able to place it back in place or splint it until the root grows back. If the root is already dead, the dentist may fit your child with a crown to protect the tooth from damage until it grows back naturally.

Treatment And Care of a Broken Tooth

The magnitude of the accident will determine how your child's teeth are treated when you go to the dentist. Your dentist may use fillings and polishing to smooth the edges of the tooth if it has only been chipped. A crown or filling can be used to fix a fractured tooth if the tooth's nerves remain unharmed. If the tooth sustains nerve damage, a root canal treatment may also be needed before placing a cap or crown.

To learn more about how to take care of a broken tooth, call Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry, Palo Alto, and schedule an appointment to meet our dentists and team.

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