What Should I Do if My Child Breaks a Tooth?

If your child breaks a tooth, try to remain calm and help them stay calm as well. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, follow these important steps to protect your child’s oral health and reduce discomfort.

Stop the Bleeding

Gently rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to remove any debris. If there is bleeding, apply light pressure with gauze or a clean cloth until it slows or stops.

Preserve the Broken Piece of Tooth

If you can locate the broken piece of tooth, carefully rinse it with water. Store the fragment in cold milk, your child’s saliva, or a saline solution. Avoid storing it in plain water, as this can damage the tooth cells.

In some cases, the dentist may be able to reattach the fragment. If the piece is successfully reattached, regular dental visits will help ensure the tooth heals properly.

If the fragment cannot be reattached, your dentist may recommend restorative treatments such as dental bonding or a crown to repair the tooth.

Manage Any Pain

To relieve pain and reduce swelling:

• Apply an icepack or cold cloth to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes at a time.

• Give over-the-counter pain medicine as directed by their dentist or pediatrician.

Adjust Your Child’s Diet

Ensure the child eats soft foods like soup, yogurt, or applesauce to avoid chewing while the tooth heals. Stay away from spicy, cold, hot, or acidic foods that can irritate the injured area.

We Can Help

If you live in the Roy, Utah area, our team at Midland Dental is here to help. Whether your child is experiencing a dental emergency or needs follow-up care, contact our office today at (801) 317-4407.