When your child chips their baby tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away to avoid future issues. Speech problems, trouble with eating, and even the shape of your child’s face can depend on quick treatment. Sleep dentistry is a great option for kids with a chipped tooth, because it bypasses discomfort as much as possible.
At Brisbane Paediatric Dentist, we recognise that tooth decay is such a prevalent issue in Australian children. In fact, approximately 42% of them will experience a chipped tooth before they reach the age of 8. According to The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, children aged 5 to 10 have experienced dental caries (or cavities) in their baby teeth.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you understand the importance of getting it treated, and where you can go to do so.
Key Takeaways
- About 42% of Australian children under six experience chipped baby teeth, most commonly from falls, sports injuries and biting hard objects.
- While most chips don’t need treatment, ignoring them can lead to serious problems like infections or damage to adult teeth growing underneath.
- The correct response is to rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress, and contact a dentist right away rather than trying home remedies.
- Baby teeth play important roles in speech development and saving space for permanent teeth, so proper dental care is essential even though they’ll eventually fall out.
How Common are Chipped Baby Teeth in Australia?
About 42% of Australian children under six experience chipped baby teeth, often from falls, sports injuries or biting hard objects. You’ll typically notice a chipped tooth appears jagged or has a small piece missing. Most minor chips don’t require treatment unless they cause pain or sharp edges.
These dental injuries are especially common when children are learning to walk or during active play at parks and playgrounds. Boys tend to have slightly higher rates of dental trauma than girls do.
What are the Main Causes of Chipped Teeth in Australian Children?
The main causes of chipped teeth in Australian children are falls during play, sports injuries, biting hard foods like lollies or ice, and accidents from collisions with objects or other children. Children aged 2-5 years face the highest risk while they develop coordination skills. Active play at parks, swimming pools and trampolines increases the chance of dental injuries.
Here are eight of the most common causes for a chipped baby tooth:
| Cause | Description | Common Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| Playground Accidents | Falls from swings or climbing equipment | Toddlers to pre-teens |
| Sports Injuries | Contact during football netball or cricket | School-aged children |
| Bike and Scooter Falls | Loss of balance or collisions while riding | Ages 4 to 12 |
| Rough Play | Accidental bumps or falls during active play | Ages 3 to 10 |
| Tooth Grinding | Unconscious clenching or grinding during sleep | Ages 5 to 12 |
| Poor Dental Health | Weakened enamel due to decay or lack of fluoride | All age groups |
| Using Teeth as Tools | Biting hard objects like pens or bottle caps | Ages 6 and up |
| Accidents at Home | Slipping on floors or falling off furniture | Toddlers and young kids |
What are the Long-Term Effects of a Chipped Baby Tooth on Children’s Oral Health?
The long-term effects of a chipped baby tooth on children’s oral health are usually minimal if properly treated. You might notice no lasting impact as baby teeth naturally fall out. However, severe chips can damage developing adult teeth beneath, potentially causing discolouration or improper alignment when they emerge.
Long term effects of a toddler chipped tooth that’s left untreated can include:
- Tooth infection or abscess
- Damage to the underlying permanent tooth
- Misalignment of surrounding teeth
- Ongoing pain or sensitivity
- Difficulty chewing or speaking properly
How do Australian Parents Typically Respond to a Chipped Baby Tooth?
Australian parents typically respond to a chipped baby tooth by calling their paediatric dentist for advice, rinsing the child’s mouth with warm water, and applying a cold compress to reduce swelling. You’ll find many parents take photos of the damage to show dental professionals and comfort their child with reassurance and pain relief if needed.
The Wrong Way to Respond to Baby Chipped Tooth
The wrong way to respond to a baby chipped tooth is ignoring the injury or assuming it doesn’t need attention because it’s “just a baby tooth.” You shouldn’t use household glue to fix chips, attempt amateur repairs, or delay seeking professional advice if your child shows signs of pain or sensitivity.
Avoiding proper dental care for chipped baby teeth can lead to complications like infection or damage to developing adult teeth underneath. Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play important roles in speech development and saving space for permanent teeth.
What Should You do If Your Baby Has a Chipped Tooth?
- Stay calm and comfort your child. Speak in a soothing voice to help them relax.
- Rinse your child’s mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove any loose bits.
- Find any broken tooth pieces if possible. Store them in a small container with milk or saline solution.
- Apply a cold cloth to your child’s face if there’s any swelling or bruising.
- Give children’s paracetamol if your child seems in pain (follow the dosage instructions for their age).
- Call your dentist right away to arrange an appointment, even if it’s not causing pain.
- Avoid giving hard, crunchy, hot or cold foods until after the dental visit.
- Watch for signs of infection like fever, increasing pain, or swelling after the injury has taken place.
- Take a clear photo of the chipped tooth to show your dentist, especially if you can’t get an immediate appointment.
- Follow your dentist’s advice about any necessary treatments or special care after the appointment.
Has your child chipped their baby tooth? If you’re in the Brisbane area, contact our team at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist for an appointment. We offer dentistry options that cater for kids, and strive to make their visit as comfortable and safe as possible.
Chipped Baby Tooth FAQs
Should I save the chipped tooth piece?
Yes, you should try to save any chipped tooth pieces if possible. Store them in a small container with milk or saline solution, as dentists sometimes can reattach larger fragments. Taking a clear photo of both the damaged tooth and the broken piece will also help your dentist assess the situation, especially if you can’t get an immediate appointment.
What are signs that the chipped tooth is serious?
Signs that a chipped baby tooth is serious include visible exposure of the tooth’s pink or red pulp, severe pain that doesn’t improve with children’s pain relief, bleeding from the tooth itself, and swelling of the gums or face. You should also worry if your child develops a fever or has trouble sleeping because of tooth pain after the injury.
Will a chipped baby tooth fall out naturally?
Yes, a chipped baby tooth will still fall out naturally according to its normal timeline, usually between ages 6-12 depending on which tooth it is. You don’t need to worry about the chip affecting the natural shedding process, as your child’s body will continue to reabsorb the tooth root on schedule.
What foods should my child avoid after chipping a tooth?
Your child should avoid hard, crunchy foods like chips, nuts, and raw carrots that could further damage the chipped tooth. Also keep them away from very hot or cold foods and drinks that might cause pain due to increased sensitivity. Sticky sweets like toffee or chewy lollies should be avoided as they might pull on the damaged tooth.
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