We're open! Learn more about our October COVID-19 protocols.
We're open! Learn more about our October COVID-19 protocols.
Photo of boy, posing with chipped tooth

Your child has a chipped tooth. Now what?

They say a dirty child is a happy child. The same is true for a child with a chipped tooth, because most of the time, it happens when theyโ€™re climbing, sliding, running, jumping or spinning in a circle until they fall down.

Remember that these baby teeth are just that ๏‚พ baby teeth. Theyโ€™ll eventually fall out and be replaced with a new set of adult teeth. But if they chip their teeth you should still book an appointment to have the tooth assessed. If itโ€™s a minor chip, sometimes all we have to do is smooth it out so it doesnโ€™t cut their lip or ruin family photos. If the chipโ€™s more significant, we might fill the tooth in or provide additional treatment.

Eating with a chipped tooth

Children are picky eaters at the best of times, so if a chipped tooth is keeping your child from eating, it should be addressed. After the trauma, their mouth will be tender the first day or so. During this time, maybe donโ€™t worry about pushing them to eat corn on the cob or anything like that. But if any pain persists, itโ€™s possible that the tooth is chipped worse than it may seem. A chip could be a crack that extends all the way up to the root which will need to be addressed.

Speaking with a chipped tooth

Depending on which tooth is chipped and how severe the chip is, the result could be a change in the way your child speaks. This is a problem because you want your child speaking as much as possible and developing their oral language abilitiesโ€” and thatโ€™s harder to do when a chip is impeding pronunciation. It can lead to a loss of confidence, which may stunt development. Best to check in with your childโ€™s teacher. If he or she notices changes in participation or that your child is quieter than usual after a chipping incident, make an appointment and letโ€™s get that chip fixed.

Chips happen

For children a chipped tooth is a badge of honour. It means they are active and having fun. And thatโ€™s really all you can ask for.

Share this Post

Recent posts

Father and daughter enjoying a fall day outdoors while biking and roller skating, representing seasonal transitions and healthy habits.

Transitioning Your Oral Care Routine from Summer to Fall

How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Oral Health

Oral Care for Travelers: Keeping Your Smile Bright on the Go

Yonge Eglinton Dental

What are you looking for?

or call 416-932-2222

Yonge Eglinton Dental

Your schedule and time matter

We offer flexible hours so we can accommodate visits around your schedule.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 7am – 8pm
Friday: 7am – 2pm
Saturday: By Request

Monday to Thursday: 7am – 8pm
Friday: 7am – 2pm
Saturday: By Request