What to Do With a Chipped Tooth

Even if you chip only the smallest bit of your teeth, you should know that any kind of chipped tooth requires immediate dental attention. While this may sound scary, you shouldn’t worry too much. 

Chips in teeth can be remedied, and your dentist can also offer helpful advice so you can avoid chips in the future.

What Should You Do When You Chip a Tooth?

When a tooth chips, it’s important to take immediate steps to manage the situation and prevent further damage or infection.

Here’s an overview of what you should do:

• Assess the situation ⁠— Determine the severity of the chip. Is it a minor chip on the enamel, or is a larger portion of the tooth broken off? Is there any pain or bleeding?
• Rinse your mouth —  Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
• Manage pain and swelling — If you're experiencing pain, take an appropriate medication to alleviate it. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Protect the tooth — If the chipped area is sharp or jagged, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax to prevent it from irritating your tongue or cheek.
• Contact your dentist immediately — Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They will assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment.

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Chipped Tooth

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Common Causes of Chipped Teeth

Several things can happen to cause teeth to chip. Most people think they just happen because of accidents, but they can also happen because of tooth decay you may not be aware of. Here are a few circumstances:

• Jaw or mouth trauma or injury 
• Wear and tear 
• "Invisible" decay 
• Biting hard food or objects
• Acidic foods

Remember that the sooner you get your teeth checked, the sooner the dentist can save your tooth and minimize further damage. Waiting to get the tooth fixed can come at an even heftier price tag and with much pain.

What Should I Watch Out For if I Chip My Tooth?

When you chip your tooth, you should be aware of certain things. For example, your chipped tooth may feel more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Try to isolate the tooth as much as possible and keep food and drinks away from it.

The parts that chip away can also leave behind jagged edges. Be careful, as you may hurt your tongue or gums on the chipped area.

If your tooth is bleeding, stop chewing or applying pressure immediately. Once you notice any of these sensations or circumstances, contact your dentist and refrain from touching or further fiddling with the tooth.

How Can I Tell if My Chipped Tooth Is Infected?

Your chipped tooth is infected if you experience the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Fever
• Sensitivity
• Discoloration
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pus

These symptoms shouldn’t be overlooked. If you feel like you have an infected chipped tooth, visit your dentist right away. 

How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?

Here are some instances of chipped teeth and what you should do for each:

• Bonding ⁠— Dentists use tooth-colored resin to fill the gap. This is a quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive procedure.
• Fillings — Dentists use fillings for moderate chips to restore tooth structure.
• Crowns ⁠— These cover the entire visible part of the tooth with large chips.
• Root canal ⁠— If the chip extends to the pulp, a root canal is necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent further infection.
• Veneers ⁠— These are custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front surface of the tooth for cosmetic purposes.
• Dental implants ⁠— A last resort procedure that involves surgically placing an artificial titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth.

Other Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

Dental problems don't happen overnight⁠—they're often the result of habits built over time. The choices we make every day have a huge impact on our smiles. 

To maintain good oral health, these are our recommendations:

• Find a dentist you trust, and schedule twice-yearly check-ups and cleanings
• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily, floss daily, and consider using mouthwash.
• Avoid chewing hard items and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Drink plenty of water, and eat calcium-rich and crunchy foods.
• If you grind your teeth, use products for sensitive teeth or a nightguard.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

Taking care of your mouth isn't just about a bright smile, it's a key part of staying healthy overall. Good oral hygiene is linked to lower risks of serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. 

So, those daily brushing and flossing habits aren't just about your teeth⁠—they're an investment in your whole-body wellness.