Kids are naturally active—and sometimes, that means bumps, falls, and the occasional dental emergency. Whether it’s a playground accident, a fall from a bike, or a hit during sports, a chipped or broken tooth can cause panic for both parent and child. Fortunately, with quick action and the help of a trusted Pediatric Dentist in Harbor City, CA, your child’s smile can be fully restored.
At Seahorse Kids Dental, we’re experienced in handling dental injuries of all kinds with calm, compassionate care. Here’s what to do if your child chips or breaks a tooth—and how our team can help repair and protect their smile.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Kids take cues from their parents, so your reassurance helps them feel safe. Gently examine your child’s mouth to see how serious the injury is. Look for cracks, missing pieces, bleeding, or swelling.
If there’s bleeding, rinse the mouth with cool water and apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. To reduce swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek. If the tooth appears broken, loose, or extremely painful, call (310) 596-1111 immediately. Seahorse Kids Dental offers emergency dental care in Harbor City, CA, so your child can receive prompt attention from an experienced Pediatric Dentist.
Save Any Broken Pieces
If you can find a piece of the tooth, carefully place it in milk, saline solution, or your child’s saliva. Bring it to your appointment—it may be possible to bond the piece back in place. Never try to glue or reattach it at home, as that can damage the tooth and surrounding tissue.
How a Pediatric Dentist Repairs a Chipped Tooth
The right treatment depends on how severe the break is. At Seahorse Kids Dental, Dr. Grant uses advanced, kid-friendly techniques to restore comfort and function while keeping the experience positive.
- Minor chips can often be smoothed and polished to prevent sharp edges and sensitivity.
- Moderate chips or cracks may require white composite fillings or dental bonding to restore shape and protect the tooth.
- Severe breaks that expose the inner layers may need a white crown for strength and coverage.
If the injury affects the nerve or root, a pulpotomy (a child-friendly root canal) may be performed to relieve discomfort and prevent infection—all while keeping your child relaxed and supported.
What If It’s a Baby Tooth?
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they still serve important purposes. They help children chew, speak, and hold space for their permanent teeth. If a baby tooth breaks, it’s still important to see a Pediatric Dentist. Dr. Grant will examine the area, take gentle X-rays if necessary, and determine whether the tooth needs to be smoothed, filled, or covered with a crown.
Preventing Future Dental Injuries
Accidents happen, but a few preventive steps can make a big difference:
- Have your child wear a custom mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
- Teach them not to use their teeth to open packages or bite hard objects.
- Encourage caution on bikes, scooters, and playgrounds—and make sure helmets are used.
- Schedule regular checkups at Seahorse Kids Dental to monitor tooth health and alignment.
Helping Kids Feel Comfortable After an Injury
At Seahorse Kids Dental, we know that a dental emergency can shake a child’s confidence. That’s why our Pediatric Dentist and caring team in Harbor City, CA focus on creating a calm, friendly environment. We explain each step clearly, use gentle techniques, and help kids feel proud of their courage and smile by the end of their visit.
Call a Trusted Pediatric Dentist in Harbor City, CA
A chipped or broken tooth doesn’t have to leave a lasting mark. With quick action and professional care, your child’s smile can look and feel as good as new. If your child experiences a dental accident, call (310) 596-1111 to schedule an appointment with Seahorse Kids Dental. Our team is here to provide gentle, expert care when it matters most—restoring your child’s comfort, confidence, and smile.