Children are naturally energetic and adventurous, which makes dental injuries a common part of growing up. Whether it happens during sports, a fall, or simply playing on the playground, a chipped or broken tooth in a child can be distressingfor both the child and the parent. Knowing what to do immediately after your child breaks a tooth can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health and minimizing long-term complications.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we provide urgent and compassionate pediatric dental care to help families navigate dental emergencies quickly and safely. This guide explains what parents should do when their child breaks a tooth and when to contact an emergency dentist.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Children often take emotional cues from adults, so your calm reaction can help reduce their anxiety and fear. Take a moment to assess the extent of the damage:
Is it a minor chip or a major fracture?
Is there bleeding from the mouth or gums?
Is your child in severe pain?
Did the injury involve trauma to the head or face?
If your child shows signs of a concussion, such as dizziness, confusion, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Once you’re sure its a dental injury, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Rinse and Clean the Area
Gently rinse your childs mouth with warm water to remove blood, dirt, or debris. This helps you get a clearer look at the broken tooth and also reduces the risk of infection. If theres any bleeding, use a clean piece of gauze or a soft cloth and apply gentle pressure to the area for 10 to 15 minutes.
Avoid scrubbing or using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can irritate oral tissues.
Step 2: Try to Find the Broken Tooth Fragment
If part of the tooth has broken off, try to find it and store it safely. Place the broken piece in a clean container with milk or your childs saliva. In some cases, a dentist may be able to reattach it.
Do not attempt to glue the piece back or clean it aggressively. Bring the fragment with you to your emergency dental appointment.
Step 3: Apply a Cold Compress
Facial swelling is common after a dental injury. To reduce swelling and alleviate pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your childs cheek near the injured area. Use a towel-wrapped ice pack and apply it in 15-minute intervals.
If your child is old enough, you can also give an age-appropriate dose of over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following your pediatricians or pharmacists advice.
Step 4: Call a Pediatric Emergency Dentist in Scarborough
Any broken or chipped tooth in a child should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. Even if the tooth does not appear painful or severely damaged, small fractures can expose the tooths inner layers to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection or nerve damage.
At McLevin Dental, our Scarborough emergency dentists are experienced in treating dental trauma in children, including:
Chipped baby teeth
Fractured permanent teeth
Broken crowns or fillings
Injuries to gums or oral tissues
Well assess the extent of the injury and recommend the best treatment to restore function, comfort, and aesthetics.
Understanding the Type of Tooth Matters
Depending on your childs age, the broken tooth may be a primary (baby) tooth or a permanent tooth. The treatment approach differs based on the type:
Baby teeth: If a baby tooth is chipped but not causing pain, it may not require extensive treatment. However, if the nerve is exposed or the tooth becomes loose, extraction or repair may be necessary.
Permanent teeth: Cracks, chips, or breaks in adult teeth typically require prompt repair to prevent future dental issues. Treatments may include bonding, dental crowns, or root canal therapy depending on the severity of the damage.
Preventing Future Tooth Injuries
While accidents are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your child breaking a tooth again:
Ensure your child wears a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
Childproof your home by cushioning sharp edges and securing unstable furniture.
Teach your child not to chew on hard objects like ice, pencils, or candy.
Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor oral health and identify any weak teeth or enamel issues early.
At McLevin Dental, we can provide mouthguards and dental exams to help safeguard your childs smile from future accidents.
When Is a Broken Tooth an Emergency?
While not all chips require immediate care, the following signs indicate your child may need emergency dental treatment:
Severe pain or tooth sensitivity
Bleeding that wont stop
Swelling or signs of infection
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
Difficulty chewing or speaking
A large portion of the tooth is missing
If youre unsure whether your childs dental injury is urgent, its always best to call our clinic. We can provide guidance over the phone and schedule an emergency visit if needed.
Why Choose McLevin Dental for Pediatric Emergencies?
McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough is a trusted provider of family and pediatric dental care. Our team is skilled in treating young patients with kindness, patience, and expert care during stressful dental emergencies.
We offer:
Same-day emergency appointments
Child-friendly care in a calming environment
Gentle procedures tailored to your childs comfort
Clear communication with parents every step of the way
Your childs health and well-being are our top priorities, especially during urgent situations.
Final Thoughts: Take Swift Action to Protect Your Childs Smile
When your child breaks a tooth, time and care matter. Prompt action can relieve pain, prevent complications, and help save the tooth. At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, our emergency dental team is ready to help your child smile again with confidence.