A child’s smile is one of the most precious things in life. Sadly, though, it is not always perfect. A child’s baby teeth are always falling out and being replaced by adult teeth as they grow up.
While this is completely normal and part of growing up, it can also bring some unexpected challenges to your child’s smile. One of the most common is a chipped baby tooth.
If you have a baby with a chipped baby tooth, you may be wondering what you should do to make sure their oral health stays strong. Keep reading to learn more!
I’m writing this article not only because I am a mom… but also because I’m a bestselling personal development author with about 2 million books sold globally.
I love sharing tools to help people to live their happiest and healthiest lives.
With this in mind, I have prepared this quick mom’s guide with chipped baby tooth repair tips!
It is important to take proper care of a child’s teeth. If a baby tooth is chipped, the best way to handle the situation is to take critical steps.
It is important to remain calm if you chip a baby tooth as it is not a life-threatening emergency. Care should be taken to inspect the area of the chip and make note of any pain or discomfort the child is feeling.
The key to chipped baby teeth is to remain calm, as the teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth.
If you chip a baby tooth, it is important to contact the best pediatric dentist right away. Baby teeth are permanent and have the responsibility of guiding permanent teeth into the right position. If left untreated, the chips can lead to sensitivity, pain, or infection.
Furthermore, they can cause teeth to become crooked or misaligned. There are treatments to fix a chipped baby tooth, like bonding, patching, and reshaping.
However, you must seek help from your dentist to make sure it is done, as improper treatment can damage healthy teeth and make the affected area vulnerable to further damage. Additionally, it can interfere with your child’s speech development. So, if you chip a baby tooth, contact your dentist for advice and treatment.
First, the tooth may need to be sent off to the lab to create a medical-grade crown for a permanent implant. Second, by collecting the fragments, you show care for the child by providing the most natural outcome to the tooth replacement.
Lastly, should a root canal or other dental work be named necessary in the future, the fragments can offer clues about the cause of the trauma. Ensuring that all fragments are collected as soon as possible may be the difference between a successful outcome for your child’s teeth now and years down the line.
This can be done with a cold compress to the affected area of the outside of the mouth. If the pain is severe, speak with a dentist about taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication. If the bleeding does not stop and increases in intensity, seek immediate medical attention, as this can indicate a more serious injury.
For minor injuries, protective measures can be taken, such as wearing a mouthguard or applying a sugar-free dental wax over the chipped front tooth—this will cushion it and help prevent further damage or discomfort. Additionally, keep an eye on the area where the tooth was chipped—over time, a new, permanent tooth should begin to develop there.
Be on the lookout for swollen gums, pain that does not subside, and/or any unusual colors around the affected area of the tooth.
Ensure that the baby is not grinding the teeth and that it is not exposed to any food or liquid that is too hot and could damage the gums and teeth further.
Providing a healthy diet is essential for a growing child, especially during early childhood development when chipping a baby tooth can happen at any time. Proper nutrition helps support strong, healthy teeth and gums and prevent cavities. Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, such as yogurt and cheese, can help build strong teeth and bones.
Fruits and vegetables are also important, as they provide necessary vitamins and minerals. While sugary and acidic foods may weaken tooth enamel, a balanced diet can help protect the teeth and ensure that even if a baby teeth chips early, the child will have the best chance of maintaining a healthy, strong smile.
Baby teeth are an important part of your child’s dental health. Here are some tips to protect their teeth:
For children under three, parents should brush their children’s teeth for them. As children get older, they should be taught proper tooth brushing techniques and flossing.
The use of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste should also be encouraged to prevent cavities. Regular dental appointments should also be scheduled so that any problems with the teeth can be identified and treated early.
Pacifier use can be beneficial in promoting infant development, easing the transition from breastfeeding to other feeding methods, and providing comfort.
However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of pacifiers. If a baby’s teeth are exposed to prolonged or frequent contact with a pacifier, the teeth can become misaligned, leading to overcrowding or crooked teeth and bite problems.
Excessive pacifier use, particularly in babies younger than 18 months, can also lead to speech delays due to changes in the natural development of the mouth and tongue.
To best protect baby teeth, parents should limit pacifier use and shift the focus to healthy habits of self-soothing and comfort instead, such as providing extra cuddles and reassurance.
Regular thumb-sucking during childhood can cause poor jaw and bite development, leading to an open bite and misaligned teeth. It can also cause problems with the roof of the mouth which can lead to speech issues.
Thumb sucking can interfere with the proper development of the mouth, lips, and tongue and cause late or slow tooth eruptions or facial asymmetry. Due to these consequences, most pediatric dentists recommend parents take steps to help their child break the habit by the age of three.
Chipped baby teeth can be both alarming and normal. It is important to pay attention to the severity of the chipping and other signs/symptoms.
If you are concerned about the chipping, visit your dentist for a check-up and preventative care. Don’t hesitate; call your dentist today and make sure your child has a happy, healthy smile!
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