What to Do If Your Child Chips a Tooth

Posted on 8/15/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

Adorable little girl pointing at her bottom teeth as she smiles

As a pediatric dentist, I see children with chipped teeth all the time. It's a common dental emergency, and it can be scary for both parents and children. But don't worry, there's no need to panic.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do is stay calm. Your child will be looking to you for reassurance, so it's important to stay positive and collected. Once you're calm, take a look at the chipped tooth. If it's a small chip, there's probably no need to worry. However, if the chip is large or if there's pain, you should call your pediatric dentist right away.

How to Care for a Chipped Tooth

Here are some tips on how to care for a chipped tooth:

•	Rinse the mouth with warm water. This will help to clean the area and remove any debris.
•	Apply a cold compress to the area. This will help to reduce swelling.
•	Give your child over-the-counter pain medication. This will help to relieve any discomfort.
•	Avoid giving your child anything hard or sticky to eat. This could further damage the tooth.
•	Call your pediatric dentist. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment.

What to Expect at the Dentist

When you take your child to the dentist, they will examine the chipped tooth and take X-rays to see if there is any damage to the pulp (the inner part of the tooth). If the chip is small, the dentist may simply smooth out the rough edges. If the chip is larger, they may need to place a filling or a crown. In rare cases, if the pulp is damaged, a root canal may be necessary.

Preventing Chipped Teeth

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your child from chipping a tooth:

•	Make sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports. This will help to protect their teeth from injury.
•	Don't let your child chew on hard objects, such as ice or pencils.
•	If your child has a habit of grinding their teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.

Conclusion

Chipped teeth are a common dental problem in children. However, with prompt treatment, most chipped teeth can be repaired. If your child chips a tooth, stay calm, assess the situation, and call your pediatric dentist right away. With proper care, your child's smile will be back to normal in no time.

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