Immediate Steps to Take
When your child chips a tooth, follow these steps right away:
- Stay calm — your child will take cues from you. Reassure them that everything will be okay.
- Find the fragment — if you can locate the broken piece, store it in a small container of milk or saliva. Your dentist may be able to bond it back.
- Rinse gently — have your child rinse their mouth with lukewarm water to clean the area. Avoid very cold or hot water.
- Apply gauze — if there is bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze against the area with gentle pressure for about 10 minutes.
- Reduce swelling — place a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) on the outside of the cheek near the injured tooth.
- Manage pain — children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Follow the dosage instructions on the packet.
When Is It an Emergency?
See a dentist urgently (the same day if possible) if:
- A large portion of the tooth has broken off, exposing the pink or red inner layer (the pulp)
- Your child is in severe pain that does not ease with painkillers
- The tooth is loose or has been knocked out completely
- There is heavy or continuous bleeding
- You notice swelling around the gum or face
If the chip is small and your child is comfortable, you can usually book an appointment within a day or two — but do not leave it too long, as sharp edges can cut the tongue or cheek.
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the size of the chip and whether it is a baby tooth or permanent tooth:
- Dental bonding — for small to moderate chips, the dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to rebuild the tooth. It is quick, painless and usually completed in one visit.
- Dental crown — for larger breaks, a crown (cap) may be placed over the tooth to protect and restore it.
- Monitoring — very minor chips on baby teeth may only need smoothing and monitoring, especially if the tooth will fall out naturally soon.
Baby Tooth vs Permanent Tooth
Many parents wonder if a chipped baby tooth needs treatment since it will eventually fall out. The answer depends on the severity:
- Minor chip on a baby tooth: The dentist may smooth the edge and monitor it. No further treatment is usually needed.
- Significant chip on a baby tooth: Treatment is important because an untreated break can lead to infection, which may damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.
- Any chip on a permanent tooth: Always seek treatment. Permanent teeth do not grow back, so protecting the tooth early prevents bigger problems later.
When to Call Trust Dental
If your child chips a tooth, call us right away. We see children of all ages and understand that dental injuries can be stressful for both kids and parents. We will fit your child in as quickly as possible, explain everything clearly, and make the visit as comfortable as we can.
Trust Dental Surgery is open evenings on weekdays, so you do not need to take time off work. Our clinics in Jurong West and Clementi are easily accessible by MRT and bus.