Did you notice a chipped tooth in your child’s smile? While it’s okay to be a little scared with this development, taking timely actions should be a priority. The first thing you should do when you notice that your child has chipped their tooth is take them to a dentist. Your dentist will recommend treating and restoring your child’s joyful, healthy smile.
What is a Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth occurs when a little fragment of the tooth’s enamel, which is its hard outer covering, breaks off. A chip can range widely in size and severity, from a little, imperceptible scratch to a larger fracture. Sometimes, even a tiny chip can reveal the weaker dentin layer underneath, which can cause discomfort or sensitivity.
Here are a few causes of a chipped tooth:
Enamel Weakness: Acidic meals and beverages can erode teeth’s enamel, which makes them more vulnerable to chipping.
Dental Decay: When cavities are left untreated, teeth become weaker and more prone to chipping or shattering, even while chewing normally.
Facial Trauma: Falls, accidents, and sports injuries are common causes of chipped or broken teeth due to sudden impact.
Signs of Chipped Teeth in Children
The following are a few signs of chipped teeth in children:
Teeth Sensitivity
Children who have chipped teeth could feel increased sensitivity in the affected tooth. Pain or discomfort while eating or drinking hot or cold food, or when breathing in cold air, might be a sign of tooth sensitivity.
Visible Chips or Fractures
A visible chip or fracture on the tooth’s surface is the most obvious indication that a child has a chipped tooth. A chip can range in severity from a little, imperceptible chip to a larger fracture that reveals the tooth’s inner layers.
Color Shifts
Unusual white, yellow, brown, or black patches on a tooth may indicate a chip that is exposing the inner layers.
Toothache
An indication of a chip may be localized pain or discomfort in a particular tooth or location. Children may have trouble expressing their discomfort, so keep an eye out for signs of anxiety, food disorders, or behavioral abnormalities.
Dental Treatments for Chipped Teeth Restoration
There are several dental procedures that may be used to repair a child’s chipped tooth and restore its look, including:
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a common and rather easy way to fix tiny to medium-sized chips, particularly on front teeth.
Dental Crown
A dental crown may be required if a large amount of the tooth is damaged or chipped, or if the chip has compromised the tooth’s structural integrity.
Reattachment
If you find the fractured tooth fragment, your dentist may be able to glue it back onto the tooth, particularly if it is a clean break and in good shape.
Summing Up!
Unfortunately, children usually experience tooth chipping. It is more likely to occur when toddlers start to walk or when older children are participating in sports. If you notice that your child has chipped their tooth, call your dentist ASAP!
If you require further assistance, consult our experts at Cinco Ranch Family Dentistry. Call us at (281) 407-5442 to book your appointment.