Chipped Tooth Repair and Other Common Cosmetic Procedures
A child’s smile brightens every room. When your child has a chipped tooth or other visible cosmetic dental issue, he or she might feel self-conscious or embarrassed. At Park Dental, our children’s dental specialists are dedicated to restoring smiles and helping children feel their best. Our 52 practices across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin make it easy and convenient to have many cosmetic dentist procedures.
Treating Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth are the most common type of dental injury. While tooth enamel is an extremely strong substance, it can be damaged for many different reasons. Common causes include:
- Biting into something hard, like hard candy
- Grinding teeth at night
- Playing contact sports
- Getting injured from a fall or accident
In addition, eating a lot of sugary or acidic foods and having cavities or large fillings can weaken the enamel, making it more likely for a chip to happen because of injury or wear and tear.
If your child chips a baby tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. Although a chipped baby tooth may not be an emergency, your child may experience pain. A dentist can smooth jagged edges or, depending on how long it may be before the tooth falls out, fill in the broken areas with a synthetic material.
If your child chips a permanent tooth, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatment options:
In severe cases, the dentist may need to extract the tooth if the damage is beyond repair. When this happens, your child’s dentist will discuss your options, which may include dental implants or bridges.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
It’s not uncommon for children to develop black or dark stains on their teeth. This can happen for many reasons:
- Plaque buildup due to improper brushing or poor oral hygiene
- Vitamin supplements that are high in iron
- Injury to a tooth or surrounding gums
- Weak tooth enamel, which can run in families
- Tetracycline, an antibiotic that can cause tooth discoloration to children if taken when they are young or if the mother takes it while pregnant or breastfeeding
- Certain foods, including berries, grapes, candy, soda and tomato sauce
Your dentist can tell you what is causing your child’s teeth to stain, as well as what can be done to remove the stains and prevent future issues.
Teeth Whitening and Kids: Is It Safe?
Generally, dentists recommend holding off on teeth whitening for kids until all baby teeth have fallen out. This is because baby teeth have whiter enamel than adult teeth, making the adult ones look more yellow.
Before whitening your child’s teeth, it’s a good idea to take your child for an exam. The dentist can tell you whether whitening is a good idea as well as ensure there are no cavities or injuries. When choosing a whitening product, pick one that has a low amount of bleach. Be sure to watch for any possible side effects after use, such as tooth sensitivity or irritation in the gums.
At Park Dental, we offer several at-home and in-office whitening options that use a form of peroxide to break down the discolored molecules on teeth. These treatments are designed to decrease any tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist to find out if professional tooth whitening is appropriate for your child.
Request an appointment with a family dentist you can trust at a Park Dental location near you.