Kids are full of energy, and sometimes their teeth pay the price. A chipped or knocked-out tooth can catch any parent off guard, especially when it happens suddenly at home or during play. Knowing the basics of child tooth injury care will help you stay calm, ease your child’s discomfort, and get them the right treatment quickly.
Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is here to help when those unexpected moments happen. Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana, our pediatric dentists, along with orthodontist Dr. Alvaro Salles, provide gentle, thoughtful care that helps children feel safe while giving parents peace of mind.
Stay Calm and Comfort Your Child
The best thing you can do in the first few minutes is stay calm. Children quickly mirror how their parents react, so your reassurance will go a long way. Start by rinsing their mouth gently with lukewarm water to clear any blood or debris. If there’s bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze against the spot until it stops. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek helps with swelling and keeps your child more comfortable.
When you arrive at either our St. Anne’s Road or Portage Avenue office, our team will continue that calm, steady care so your child feels safe the entire time.
Chipped Teeth and Immediate Care
Chipped teeth happen often and not every chip is an emergency, but it’s always best to have a dentistry office like ours take a look. A few simple steps can make the situation easier until you get to the office:
- Save the broken piece if you can and bring it with you in a clean container.
- Have your child rinse gently to keep the area clean.
- If they’re uncomfortable, children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help until they’re seen (follow the dosage instructions on the package).
Tiny chips may only need smoothing, while deeper ones could require a filling or crown. Our pediatric dentists will examine the tooth and explain the best option for your child.
Knocked-Out Permanent Teeth
A knocked-out permanent tooth needs quick action. With the right steps, there’s a chance the tooth can be saved.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- You can gently rinse off any dirt with milk or a saline solution, but skip scrubbing so the root stays protected.
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket, and have your child bite softly on gauze to hold it there.
- If reinserting isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk or in your child’s saliva to keep it moist.
Call our office right away. Our team at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics will guide you over the phone and be ready for you when you arrive.
What About Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth are different. If one is knocked out, we don’t reinsert it because that could affect the permanent tooth developing beneath. Even so, it’s important to have us check for gum or jaw injury and make sure the surrounding teeth are safe.
Sometimes losing a baby tooth early isn’t a problem, but in certain cases, a space maintainer may be needed so permanent teeth come in correctly. Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana will walk you through the safest approach for your child.
Keeping Your Child Comfortable Until the Appointment
While you’re on the way to the office, a few simple things can help:
- Use a cold compress to control swelling.
- Offer soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, or smoothies if your child is hungry.
- Skip anything hot, cold, or sugary that could make the tooth more sensitive.
Our staff is patient and gentle with children who are in pain. Many parents tell us their child leaves feeling calmer than when they arrived, even during an urgent visit.
Preventing Dental Injuries
Not all accidents can be avoided, but there are steps that lower the risk:
- Have your child wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports like hockey, soccer, or basketball.
- Remind them not to run with objects in their mouth.
- Keep up with routine checkups so we can spot weak enamel or other concerns early.
Taking preventive measures now helps protect their teeth and saves stress later.
Why Families Trust Topsmiles
When a child has a dental emergency, parents want more than just clinical skill. They want a team that treats their child with kindness and makes the experience less scary. That’s exactly what families find at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
- Our doctors and staff are known for their friendly, caring approach.
- Pediatric and orthodontic specialists work together in one office.
- Families can choose whichever location is closer, St. Anne’s Road or Portage Avenue, for quick access in an emergency.
Quick Help for Chipped or Lost Teeth
If your child chips or loses a tooth, don’t wait or worry alone. Contact Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics immediately so we can guide you through the next steps and schedule an appointment for your child as soon as possible. Our team at the St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue offices is here to make emergencies less stressful and help your child feel safe and cared for. Reach out immediately for any help.