Ouch! Chipped a Tooth? Here’s What You Can Do About It

Although enamel is the hardest material in the human body, it doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. One wrong bite or sudden impact on the face, and you can end up damaging or chipping a tooth. Even if you aren’t feeling any discomfort, this situation can be unsettling and you’ll want to seek treatment as soon as possible. Read on to learn a quick guide on how to handle a chipped tooth and restore your smile to good health!

Step #1: Inform Your Dentist

You should call your dentist right after noticing that your tooth has been chipped. They’ll be able to evaluate your condition over the phone, schedule your appointment, and provide the best next steps until you see them. While some cases will require you to visit for emergency treatment, at other times you can easily manage your situation beforehand. Your dentist will offer personalized first-aid instructions for managing your chipped tooth.

Step #2: Rinse Out Your Mouth

Once you’ve scheduled a dental visit, you’ll want to rinse your mouth with warm water. This will clean off dirt, debris, bacteria, and blood (if any) from around the damaged tooth. You’ll also avoid accidentally swallowing or biting down on any broken-off pieces still in your mouth. If you find any larger particles of your chipped tooth, store them in a clean container and bring them to your appointment.

Step #3: Stop Any Bleeding

If you took a blow to the face or there was sudden trauma, then you may experience some bleeding in your mouth. After carefully rinsing, be sure to apply steady, constant pressure on the affected area with clean gauze, paper towels, or a washcloth. If any bleeding is severe or won’t stop after 10-15 minutes, then you should head straight to your local ER for help.

Step #4: Minimize Swelling & Manage Discomfort

Try placing a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes at a time. This should help alleviate any pain and reduce inflammation. Be sure to also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, but keep away from products containing aspirin if you’re bleeding.

Step #5: Protect Your Tooth

Until you can see your dentist, avoid eating or drinking anything (except for water). If you have to wait a few days for your appointment, don’t eat hard or crunchy foods, and keep from using that side of your mouth. Try using dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect the chipped area from further damage and bacteria.

Step #6: Visit Your Dentist Right Away

Your dentist will be able to repair your tooth and help avoid the risk of infection. They can either recement any broken pieces back on or provide dental bonding to renew your smile. For more visible portions, you may consider getting veneers for a full makeover. If the damage is severe, your dentist may cover your tooth with a crown.

While a chipped tooth may seem troubling, you can apply these few steps to easily treat your condition. Contact your dentist if you ever experience this situation, and they’ll help restore your smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar earned her dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She also regularly seeks continuing education to refine her skills. She offers a wide range of high-quality services, including dental bonding, veneers, and crowns. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 321-631-4334.