What to Do if Your Child's Filling Falls Out

Here's a scenario that's more common than you may imagine:

Your child is eating a hard fruit, such as an apple, when they tell you that they feel a strange sensation in their mouth. Upon closer inspection, you notice that their filling has fallen. Although it may look scary, a lost filling isn't necessarily a dental emergency. However, it's important to contact Dr. Sal Colombo or Dr. Yasi Colombo at The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids and tell them about the problem so that they can advise you and schedule an appointment for your child as soon as possible.

Until then, here's what to do if your child's filling falls out. 

What to Do If Your Child's Filling Falls Out

Follow these steps if your child's filling falls out:

• Stay Calm: It can be alarming to see that your child has lost a filling, but try to stay calm. As we said, this is not an emergency, and your child will be fine.
• Rinse Your Child's Mouth: Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to help clean the area around the missing filling. This can also help alleviate any discomfort or sensitivity.
• Use Dental Wax: If the edges of the tooth are sharp and your child is complaining that they are hurting their cheeks, you can use dental wax to cover them and protect the gums. 
• Use Pain Medication If Necessary: If your child is complaining about tooth sensitivity or discomfort, you can give them some over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate their symptoms. 
• Schedule an Appointment with the Dentist: It's important to see the dentist as soon as possible after a filling falls out. The dentist will be able to evaluate the tooth and determine the best course of action for repairing it.

Can the Dentist Save the Filling? 

Unlike a dental crown, which can usually be saved if they fall out, the same cannot be said about dental fillings. Once a filling falls, the dentist will have to replace it. 

During your appointment, the dentist will examine the tooth and determine the best way to repair it. More often than not, they will just add another filling. But, if the tooth has suffered additional decay, the dentist may need to clean the decay and place a crown too. 

How to Prevent Fillings from Falling Out

To help prevent fillings from falling out, it's important to take good care of your child's teeth and follow a healthy oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily. It's also important to see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, as this can help catch any potential problems early on.

If your child is prone to grinding their teeth, the dentist may recommend a mouthguard to protect their teeth and fillings. It's also a good idea to avoid hard or sticky foods that can put extra strain on fillings.

‍Get in touch with The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids for Any Dental Problems 

If your child's filling falls out, it's important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth and minimize discomfort. That means calling the team at The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids immediately and requesting an appointment. We will try to see your child as soon as possible and provide the treatment they need. 

You can use the contact form on our website and book your appointment online in just a few minutes.