You might be used to your child getting scrapes and bruises. Usually, these types of injuries heal in their own time. But teeth aren’t exactly made out of soft skin cells. So if your child happens to chip a pearly white, will it still take care of itself? Or will they need professional help?
Ultimately, you’ll have to call your dentist and arrange an appointment for your little one – even if they’ve damaged a baby tooth! Keep reading to learn why.
Why Do Chipped Teeth Need Care?
The first important thing to know is that teeth can’t heal themselves. Your child’s body can replace and repair skin cells, but not so much the calcium and enamel that make up their teeth.
Yes, packing their diet with calcium-rich foods and applying fluoride toothpaste to their smile can help strengthen their teeth against damage and bacteria. However, they’ll need a dentist to actually fix any chips. Otherwise, your child could be at greater risk for further dental breakage and bacteria-born cavities.
What About a Baby Tooth?
If your child has chipped a baby tooth, you might be thinking that you can just wait for it to fall out. The problem with this is that baby teeth actually help your child learn how to speak and chew properly. Depending on how damaged their pearly white is, it could create development challenges. So it’s a good idea to call your dentist about nicked baby teeth, too!
What Are My Child’s Treatment Options?
The most common way to protect your child’s tooth from further damage and harmful bacteria is to cap it with a crown. Depending on the location of the affected tooth and whether it’s an adult or baby, your dentist might recommend a metal or tooth-colored crown. Metal can be more cost-effective for pearly whites in the back or temporary baby teeth, while tooth-colored materials can help front-facing ones blend in with your child’s smile.
Fillings are more often used for cavity treatments but can also restore dental damage in some cases. These can also be made from pearly composite resin and are effectively sealed to keep icky bacteria out.
Consult With Your Dentist
If you’re feeling a bit alarmed, know that even though they require treatment, not all chipped teeth are in immediate danger. More often than not, chips are minor and can be taken care of at your family’s earliest convenience. Your dentist will be able to tell you how soon you should schedule your child’s appointment after you describe the situation over the phone. Follow their advice, and your child’s oral health will be restored in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph DiBenedetto is a board-certified pediatric dentistry, meaning he’s gone through extra training to help kids feel comfortable and safe in the dental office. If your little one has chipped a tooth, Dr. Joe will walk you through next-step arrangements and provide top-notch care! To contact his office, call 814-679-4000.