What to Do If Your Child Chips a Tooth While Playing
Active kids often means bumps, falls, and the occasional accident — and sometimes that includes a chipped tooth. If your child has chipped a tooth while playing, you’re not alone. It’s a common dental emergency for kids, especially those involved in sports or playground activities. But knowing what to do in those first few moments can make a big difference.
At Edmonton Smiles, we understand how alarming it can be when your child injures their tooth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what steps to take, when to see a dentist, and how to help your child stay calm (and pain-free) during the process.
Let’s break it down into simple, straightforward steps.
Is a Chipped Tooth in a Child a Dental Emergency?
Not every chipped tooth is an emergency, but it’s important to assess the damage. A small chip might not hurt or pose a major risk, but a deeper break could expose sensitive parts of the tooth, causing pain or leading to further complications.
Signs You Should See a Dentist ASAP
- There’s visible bleeding from the tooth or surrounding gums.
- Your child is in significant pain or discomfort.
- The edge of the chipped tooth is sharp and cutting the inside of the mouth.
- The chip is large or the tooth appears cracked down the middle.
- The tooth appears loose or has darkened in colour since the injury.
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s best to call your Edmonton dentist right away. At Edmonton Smiles, we offer same-day emergency dental services and will guide you through what to do next.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Child Chips a Tooth
Before you can get to the pediatric dentist, there are a few key things you can do at home to protect your child’s tooth and keep them comfortable.
1. Keep Your Child Calm
Any form of dental injury can be scary — both for your child and for you. Try to stay calm, speak gently, and reassure your child that it can be fixed.
2. Save Any Broken Pieces (if possible)
If you can find the piece that broke off, gently rinse it in water and place it in a clean container with milk or saliva. Don’t scrub it clean — bits of the tooth can sometimes be reattached.
3. Rinse the Mouth
Have your child rinse their mouth gently with warm water to clear away any debris and reduce the risk of infection.
4. Apply Cold Compress if There’s Swelling
Use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel and place it on the outside of your child’s cheek to reduce swelling and numb discomfort.
5. Avoid Hard Foods
Stick to soft foods until your dentist has a chance to examine the damage. That means no apples, carrots, or nuts — think yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soups instead.
What the Dentist Will Do
When you bring your child into Edmonton Smiles, our experienced team — led by Dr. Molly Rodgers and Associates — will assess both the tooth and the surrounding tissue.
Common Treatments for a Chipped Tooth
Depending on the severity, your child’s treatment might include:
| Severity | Treatment Options | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor chip | Smoothing or bonding | The dentist may simply polish the rough edge or apply a tooth-coloured resin to restore shape. |
| Moderate chip | Dental bonding or composite filling | For larger chips, a tooth-coloured material may be applied to protect and rebuild the tooth. |
| Severe chip or crack | Crown or root canal therapy | If the nerve is exposed or the tooth is broken deeply, a crown or root canal may be needed. In extreme cases, extraction might be considered. |
Rest assured, we always follow the Alberta Dental Association’s fee guide, so you won’t have any billing surprises.
How to Prevent Chipped Teeth in the Future
Once your child has recovered, we often hear a common question: “How can we prevent this from happening again?”
Here are a few proactive steps:
Encourage Use of Mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards are essential if your child plays contact sports like hockey or soccer. They help cushion any impact and protect the teeth from injury.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Teach your child not to use their teeth for opening packages or biting on toys. These habits can wear down or chip teeth unintentionally.
Watch Out for Hard Foods
Hard candies, ice cubes, or unpopped popcorn kernels can be culprits for childhood chips and breaks. If they must eat them, always supervise closely.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine dental care lets us catch small issues before they become big ones. When you come in for regular cleanings, we can keep an eye on tooth strength, alignment, and overall mouth health.
At Edmonton Smiles, we’re proud to offer family-focused care in South Edmonton — that includes helping your kids maintain healthy smiles as they grow.
FAQs About Chipped Teeth in Children
Can chipped baby teeth be repaired?
Yes. Even if it’s a baby tooth, we may recommend repairing it to protect the surrounding teeth, prevent infection, or avoid cosmetic issues. It depends on the location and severity of the chip.
What if my child’s tooth doesn’t hurt after chipping?
Pain isn’t always a good indicator of tooth damage. A chipped tooth might not hurt initially, but it can still weaken the structure or expose the tooth to decay. It’s always best to get it checked.
Is it safe to wait a few days before seeing the dentist?
If the chip is minor and there’s no pain or bleeding, it’s usually okay to wait a day or two. But call us at Edmonton Smiles — we can help you decide what’s best based on the situation.
Should I take my child to the ER or a dentist?
Unless your child has suffered trauma to the head or other serious injuries, a dentist is usually the right place to go for a chipped tooth.
South Edmonton Families Trust Edmonton Smiles
We know accidents happen. And when they do, your child’s health and comfort come first.
Here at Edmonton Smiles, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, judgement-free care — especially when it comes to dental emergencies involving children. No matter how minor or serious the chip seems, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
From initial care to long-term solutions, our local dental team is ready to offer fast, friendly, and gentle support.
Final Thoughts: Dental Chips Don’t Have to Mean Lasting Damage
Seeing your child with a chipped tooth can be nerve-wracking, but with quick action and the right dental care, most chips can be repaired easily and safely.
If you’re in South Edmonton and your child has chipped a tooth — don’t wait. Contact Edmonton Smiles to schedule an appointment. We’ll make things as smooth and stress-free as possible so your child can get back to being a kid. Want more tips for keeping your family’s teeth healthy? Follow our blog for trusted advice, or call us anytime for questions about your child’s dental health.