Don’t Panic: A Parent’s Guide To Handling A Chipped or Broken Tooth

As a parent, seeing your little one chip or break a tooth can be pretty scary. Whether it’s a tumble at the playground, a hard bite on a crunchy snack, or just had one of those clumsy moments while playing—it happens! And of course, your first reaction is to worry.

But don’t panic, most dental injuries can be managed calmly and effectively if you know what to do.

How to Handle a Chipped or Broken Tooth and Protect Your Child’s Smile

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First, stay calm to help soothe your child. Check the tooth, is it a small chip or a serious break? Is there bleeding or pain?

If the injury is severe, such as a tooth that’s knocked out or loose, or if your child is having trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency dental or medical care right away.

For minor chips or cracks, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist to check the damage and discuss treatment options.

Step 2: Keep the Mouth Clean
Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a more serious break, keeping your little one’s mouth clean is essential to prevent infection. Encourage gentle rinsing with warm water.

Step 3: Use the Right Oral Care Products
While your child is healing, it’s important to maintain a gentle but effective oral hygiene routine. Using a soft kids toothbrush can help clean teeth without irritating sensitive areas.

Children’s electric toothbrushes are made just for little mouths and do a great job of cleaning away plaque with less effort, and can even make brushing more fun! Take a look at our collection of kids’ electric toothbrushes here.

When it comes to children’s toothpaste, choose a mild, fluoride toothpaste that’s designed for children. Our brush-baby AppleMint kids toothpaste is gentle on sensitive mouths but still helps protect against cavities.

Step 4: Manage Discomfort and Tooth Sensitivity
If your little one complains of pain after a chipped tooth, over-the-counter children’s pain relievers can help, but always check the dosage and consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

Step 5: Follow Up with Your Dentist
Even if the chip seems small, it’s really important to get a professional opinion as soon as you can. Dentists can smooth out rough edges, repair any damage with bonding, or recommend other treatments to protect the tooth and avoid future problems.

Accidents Happen – Stay Calm and Care for Your Child’s Smile

Accidents happen, but with a calm approach and the right care, a chipped or broken tooth doesn’t have to be a disaster. 

Keep up with daily brushing using the right tools, like children’s toothbrushes and kids toothpaste, and gently clean your little one’s mouth. 

Your little one’s smile is precious, and with consistent care, it will stay bright and healthy for years to come.

brush-baby: The Perfect Choice for Your Child’s Dental Care

Are you looking for the perfect dental products for your little one? Take a look at our brush-baby range, where you’ll find everything from baby’s first toothbrush and teething toys to children’s electric toothbrushes. We’ve got you covered every step of the way!