Dental Emergencies in Kids: How to Handle a Chipped or Broken Tooth
Kids are full of energy—and sometimes, that means bumps, falls, and accidents. A chipped or broken tooth in a child can be scary, but staying calm and acting quickly can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to do if your child damages a tooth and how Maxilla Dental can help with fast, effective care.
Read the Canadian Dental Association’s guide to dental emergencies.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
It depends. Small chips may be minor, but larger breaks can expose the tooth’s inner layers and cause pain, infection, or damage to permanent teeth.
👉 Always contact your dentist, even for a minor chip. It’s best to assess the damage professionally.
📞 Call Maxilla Dental or book an emergency appointment here.
What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Injury
- Stay calm – Your child will take cues from you.
- Rinse the mouth gently with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If there’s bleeding, use gauze or a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure.
- Find and save the broken piece of the tooth (if possible) and bring it with you.
- Avoid hard foods and keep your child comfortable until you reach the dentist.
Treatment Options for Chipped or Broken Teeth
Depending on the severity, your dentist may recommend:
- Smoothing the sharp edge
- Dental bonding to repair the shape
- Dental crown if a large part is missing
- Pulp therapy if the nerve is exposed
- Tooth extraction (only if the tooth cannot be saved)
Learn more about our pediatric dental treatments.
What If It’s a Baby Tooth?
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, a break can:
- Cause pain and sensitivity
- Lead to infection
- Affect the development of the permanent tooth underneath
Your dentist will assess whether the tooth needs repair or removal.
Preventing Future Accidents
- Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
- Childproof your home (especially corners, furniture, slippery floors)
- Teach kids to avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies
Need a custom mouthguard? We can help with that too.
We’re Here When You Need Us Most
At Maxilla Dental, we treat dental emergencies with compassion and speed, especially when it comes to kids. Our goal is to ease your child’s pain and protect their beautiful smile.
📅 Book an emergency visit now or contact us with any questions or concerns.
