June 30, 2025

Trampolines, Pool Days & Chipped Teeth: What Now?

A Summer Survival Guide for Parents Facing Tooth Trouble

It was supposed to be just another sunny Saturday. Spotify was playing Kidz Bop, towels were scattered across the backyard, and the kids were flipping into the pool. Then it happened—your child popped up from the water, hand over their mouth, and said the dreaded words:
“I think I chipped my tooth.”

Summer brings sunshine, freedom, and—unfortunately—more opportunities for dental accidents. At KidSmiles in Lake Conroe and Huntsville, TX, we see a spike in tooth injuries this time of year. So if your pool day took a turn, you’re not alone. The good news? We’re here all summer long to help you handle tooth emergencies like a pro.

Kids Chip Teeth in the Summer, Too

You’d be surprised how often (and how quickly) chipped teeth happen. Some of the most common culprits we see at KidSmiles include:

The pool edge: Slippery decks + running feet = dental danger zone. This is why the lifeguard at your neighborhood pool always yells, “No running!”
Trampolines: One missed flip or a collision mid-jump during a game of Crack the Egg can lead to an injury. Just because that trampoline has a net around it doesn’t mean there aren’t other “opportunities” for injury.
Bikes & scooters: Helmets help with head injuries, but teeth are still at risk. You probably have your own memories of being a kid, flying head over heels across your handlebars. Concrete + Teeth = cracks on cracks on cracks.
Sports without mouthguards: Even casual backyard games can end in dental drama. Mouthguards aren’t just for football games. Backyard kickball is fun, but you just never know.

It doesn’t take much! Kids can chip their teeth by just chasing the dog barefoot down the street.

First Steps at Home After a Chipped Tooth

If your child is crying and you’re starting to panic—take a breath. Here’s your action plan:

Stay calm: Your child is watching you.
Rinse their mouth with water: Gently clear away any blood or debris.
Find the broken piece (if possible): Store it in milk or a wet paper towel to keep it moist.
Apply a cold compress: Reduce swelling with an ice pack or bag of frozen veggies.
Stick to soft foods: Skip anything hard, crunchy, or chewy.
Don’t try to “fix” it at home: Let the dentist handle any repairs.

When to Call the Dentist

Some chips are small and can wait, but others need quick action. Call KidSmiles if:

Your child is in pain or feels sudden sensitivity to hot/cold
The tooth is loose, cracked, or knocked out
You see bleeding from the tooth or gums
There’s a deep fracture or exposed nerve tissue

And yes—even if it’s just a baby tooth, it still matters. Damage can impact adult teeth, speech, and bite alignment.

How to Prevent It Next Time

We know—you can’t bubble-wrap your child (though you’ve thought about it). But you can reduce risk with these smart steps:

Mouthguards: Great for any contact sport—not just football.
Enforce pool rules: No running, no roughhousing near the edge, and always adult supervision.
Get ahead of it: Ask your dentist about custom mouthguards and preventive checks.