It’s no secret that kids with baby teeth are going through many stages of important development. One of the things they’re working on—and you can see it every day in the way they will stumble and fall—are their fine motor skills.
As toddlers learn to get around using their hands, feet, knees, and other parts of their body, one of the areas most at risk are their teeth. As kids learn to crawl, walk, and run, their baby teeth are going to be in danger of injury constantly, and it’s a common freak-out moment for most new parents when it does happen. In this post, we’re going to help you understand what to expect and the right course of action when your kid chips a baby tooth.
First off, stay calm!
If you’re a brand new parent, any scratch or scrape is likely going to cause a bit of a shock as you try to comfort your kid and start making things better. One of the best things you can do if your kid chips a tooth is to stay calm and understand it’s a common occurrence. Your reaction to the injury, whether its not so bad or really bad, will set the pace and intensity for your kid’s reaction.
Deal with the injury as soon as possible
Similar to most other dental issues, the sooner you deal with the problem, the better. If your kid chips a tooth, you’re going to want to call your dentist as soon as possible and get your kid in for an appointment. Most family dentists have a dental emergency system in place for parents just like you. If it’s after hours, try calling your dentist and listen for any instructions they have for dental emergencies.
Listen to your dentist’s advice for repair options
The good thing about baby teeth is that your child will eventually lose them all and grow a set of permanent teeth. However, a chipped tooth may cause some structural and other oral health issues, or it can affect your kid’s confidence, which may prompt the need for a dental repair job. Thankfully, dentists can provide you with sound advice and a range of options from bonding to tooth alteration to veneers, depending on your needs and the condition of the tooth injury.
Expect some discoloration
Damage experienced when a tooth is chipped may cause the tooth to become discolored. Often, the discoloration is from damaged blood vessels and is temporary. If discoloration doesn’t eventually fade as your child’s body heals the injury, book a check-up appointment with your dentist to check for an infection.
Thanks for Reading!
Hopefully your little one gets around without chipping a tooth, but accidents do happen. If you enjoy reading guides like these, please drop by and like our Facebook page to see our newest blog posts.