- Rinse your mouth with warm or cold water and protect the chipped tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
- See a dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and potential treatments, such as bonding/contouring, veneers, crowns, or dental implants.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, alcohol, tobacco, and drinks with high sugar content until the chipped tooth is treated.
- Protect teeth when engaging in activities that can cause tooth damage by wearing a custom-made mouthguard.
A chipped tooth can be a scary experience. Accidents happen, but they can be painful and affect a tooth’s appearance. Whether it’s from biting into something hard or a sports injury, a chipped tooth can leave you feeling embarrassed and needing immediate assistance. It’s important to know what to do in such a situation when you’re out and about.
This blog post will discuss what to do if you accidentally chip a tooth.
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water
If you discover a chipped tooth, the best initial action is to swish your mouth with warm water. This helps to get rid of any debris and blood around the tooth. If you have pain or nerve damage, rinse with cold water to reduce the pain. If the chip causes severe bleeding, you can use a cold compress to stop the bleeding.
Don’t forget to rinse the inside of your mouth, as well. This will help clear away any loose pieces of enamel in your mouth. Some people may use a mouthwash or saltwater rinse to help clean the area around the chip.
2. Cover the chipped tooth
If the tooth’s damage is minor and does not cause pain or sensitivity, you may not need treatment immediately. However, covering the chipped tooth with a solution like dental wax is wise. This can help protect the tooth from further damage while waiting for the dentist. You can also use a piece of sugar-free gum to cover the chipped tooth and keep it from becoming more damaged. This is only a temporary solution, and you should seek further treatment from your dentist as soon as possible.
3. See a dentist
If you have chipped a tooth, the best thing to do is see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist will diagnose the chip’s severity level and recommend measures to restore the tooth’s look and function. Sometimes, a chipped tooth can cause further damage to your mouth, and you may need surgery. Here are some treatments that a dentist may recommend to fix a chipped tooth:
a. Bonding or contouring
This is an easy and painless procedure that can repair minor chips in a tooth. Your dentist will use composite material to fill in the chip and make it look new again.
b. Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit over the front part of a chipped tooth. They can help change the tooth’s shape and size while restoring its strength.
c. Crowns
If the chipping is severe, your dentist may recommend a crown. This cap-like covering fits over the entire tooth and protects it from further damage.
d. Dental implants
Your dentist may suggest getting a dental implant treatment in more severe cases. This permanent solution replaces the missing chipped tooth with an artificial one.
4. Avoid foods that can damage the tooth
You must be careful about what you eat after you’ve chipped a tooth. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can cause pain and further damage the tooth. You might want to avoid anything that can put more pressure on the tooth and eat soft foods until you get it treated. Doing so can prevent further damage and save you from more pain.
You should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drinks with high sugar content since they can cause additional discomfort. Some people may also want to avoid coffee and tea because they can stain the tooth. Food with vinegar can also be harmful as it can make the chipping more visible.
5. Protect your teeth
If you’re playing sports or engaged in any other activity that can cause tooth damage, it’s essential to protect your teeth by wearing a mouth guard. A custom-made mouthguard can prevent tooth injury and reduce jaw stress making the activity safer. Look for a denture made of a soft, pliable material that offers the right fit so you can make the most out of it.
Finally, remember to visit your dentist regularly and get regular dental check-ups. This can help keep your teeth healthy and strong, preventing further damage.
Chipping a tooth can be a scary experience, but the above steps can help alleviate pain and restore your tooth’s function and look. Remember, the action you take immediately affects the chances of your recovery. You should seek professional dental care as soon as possible to diagnose the right treatment for your condition. And don’t forget to protect your teeth when engaging in activities that can cause tooth damage. With the proper care, you’ll be able to restore the look and function of your teeth.
