A chipped baby tooth can be scary for parents and children alike. If your child has a chipped tooth, then you might not be sure what to do. Is a tooth repair worth it? After all, baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway. While this is true, there are still plenty of reasons to restore a chipped baby tooth. Learn why in the article below.
What Causes Chipped Teeth?
Chips, cracks, and breaks in the teeth can be caused by all sorts of issues. Injuries to the mouth are the most common cause. For kids, these injuries can be as simple as falling while playing outside or hitting themselves with a toy. Biting down on something hard or grinding teeth at night can also cause injuries.
Why Repairs Matter
You might think a tooth injury is a superficial problem. But this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a chip or crack is deeper than it looks. If this is the case, then the tooth might be damaged beyond the outer layer of enamel. These chips will need to be repaired in order to protect the health of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
While minor chips aren’t usually a health problem, the chip can be sharp and uncomfortable. Filing the damage down will help to prevent the injuries inside of your mouth.
Repairing Chipped Teeth
Repairs will depend on the type of damage that you have. Minor chips can be repaired using easy filing tools and a little bit of dental bonding. This is generally a quick and easy procedure. More complex damage can be fixed using crowns or caps.
What To Do In An Emergency
If your child chips a tooth, then try not to panic. Check your child’s mouth for blood and see if the teeth are still intact. Help your child gently rinse their mouth and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Call your dentist immediately for advice.
Dental Work For Patients of All Ages
Noble Smile Family Dentistry offers tooth restoration for both children and also adults. Our comfortable office and kind, compassionate staff make the process easy. Call us today to learn more, or click the link above to book your appointment online.