A chipped tooth can occur in an instant. Whether it’s from biting into hard candy, an accidental fall, or teeth grinding at night, the outcome can range from a slightly chipped tooth to a dental emergency. But what should you do if it happens? Let’s explore what happens if you chip your tooth, what steps to take, and how a dentist can repair the damage.
Chipped Your Tooth? Here’s What to Do Next
When you chip a tooth, it’s crucial to assess the damage immediately. Depending on the severity, you might experience immediate pain, a jagged edge, or even exposed nerves if the tooth enamel or deeper layers are affected.
Common Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth
- Immediate pain: Sharp pain or discomfort while chewing.
- Jagged edge: The chipped or broken tooth may feel rough against your tongue.
- Tooth sensitivity: Exposed nerves or remaining enamel may cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Tooth fragment: You might notice a piece of the tooth missing or loose in your mouth.
If you notice any of these signs, see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Why Do Teeth Chip in the First Place?
Our teeth are incredibly strong, but they’re not indestructible. Tooth enamel, while tough, can crack or chip due to the following reasons:
- Biting hard objects: Ice, hard candy, or even pens.
- Teeth grinding: Chronic grinding (bruxism) wears down enamel over time.
- Accidents: Falls, sports injuries, or biting down wrong on something.
- Weakened enamel: Acidic foods, tooth decay, or stomach acid can weaken enamel, making it prone to chipping.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring a Chipped Tooth?
Ignoring a chipped or broken tooth might lead to serious complications, including:
- Further injury: The chipped area can worsen, leading to cracks or even a completely broken tooth.
- Tooth decay: The exposed enamel or dentin is more vulnerable to decay.
- Infection: Untreated chips can allow bacteria to enter, causing swollen glands, severe pain, or an abscess.
- Significant pain: Exposed nerves can make eating and drinking unbearable.
Leaving a chipped tooth untreated can result in extensive treatment later, such as a root canal or dental crown.
Steps to Take If You Chip Your Tooth
Chipping a tooth can be alarming, but acting quickly can prevent further damage and ease discomfort. Here’s what to do if you chip a tooth:
Assess the Damage
Examine the affected tooth to determine the severity of the chip. A minor chip may not cause significant discomfort, but a severe chip or crack might involve exposed nerves or pain. Look for:
- Immediate pain or sensitivity.
- A jagged edge on the tooth.
- Missing fragments of the tooth.
Rinse and Clean the Area
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris and keep the area clean. This is especially important if the chip exposes sensitive parts of the tooth. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze.
Protect the Tooth
Prevent further damage or irritation by:
- Cover the jagged edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth. Follow a diet of soft foods until you see a dentist.
Manage Pain and Swelling
If the chipped tooth causes discomfort, reduce pain and swelling with these steps:
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
Preserve the Tooth Fragment
If a piece of the tooth has broken off, carefully store it in milk, saline, or saliva. This keeps the fragment moist, increasing the chances that your dentist can reattach it.
Avoid Aggravating the Tooth
Until you can see a dentist, take precautions to protect the remaining tooth structure and reduce sensitivity:
- Refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth with the damaged tooth.
- Avoid hard and acidic foods, as they can aggravate exposed areas of the tooth.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the damaged tooth without applying pressure.
Contact a Dentist Immediately
Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is critical to preventing further damage or complications, such as:
- Tooth decay in the exposed area.
- Infection or swelling caused by bacteria entering the tooth.
Even if the chip seems minor, a professional evaluation ensures appropriate care and avoids more extensive treatment later.
Use Temporary Fixes if Necessary
If you’re unable to see a dentist immediately, consider temporary solutions to protect the chipped tooth:
- Apply temporary dental filling material to cover exposed areas.
- Use dental wax to smooth rough edges.
- Opt for a diet of soft foods until you can receive professional dental care.
Taking these steps promptly can help minimise discomfort, prevent further injury, and set the stage for effective treatment. Always prioritise seeing a dentist quickly to ensure the best outcome for your chipped tooth and overall oral health.
Options for Treating a Chipped or Broken Tooth
Treatment options depend on the severity of the chip:
Minor Chip
- Dental bonding: Tooth-coloured composite resin can restore the natural tooth’s appearance and function.
- Polishing: A slightly chipped tooth may only need smoothing and polishing for comfort.
Moderate Damage
- Dental filling: A composite filling can repair a chipped or cracked tooth.
- Temporary crown: Protects the damaged tooth until a permanent crown is ready.
Severe Chips or Breaks
- Dental crowns: Ideal for extensive damage, crowns restore the tooth structure and strength.
- Root canal therapy: Required if the damage has reached the pulp or exposed nerves.
Cosmetic Procedures
- Dental veneers: Thin layers of material bonded to the front tooth for aesthetic repairs.
- Tooth repair with bonding or crowns: Restores the tooth’s natural look and feel.
How to Prevent Chipped Teeth
Although modern dental treatments can effectively repair chipped teeth, prevention is always the best approach. Embracing healthy habits and taking proactive measures can help safeguard your teeth from damage and preserve a strong, vibrant smile.
Avoid Hard or Risky Foods
Certain foods are more likely to cause a chipped or broken tooth. Items like hard candy, ice, and popcorn kernels can put excessive pressure on your teeth. Similarly, avoid opening packaging or biting non-food items with your teeth, as this increases the risk of damage.
Protect Your Teeth During Activities
If you engage in contact sports or activities with a risk of impact, wear a protective mouth guard. Custom-fitted mouth guards offer superior protection for your teeth and gums compared to over-the-counter options.
Address Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can slowly erode tooth enamel, heightening the likelihood of chipping. Wearing a night guard while sleeping can safeguard your teeth and preserve their natural integrity.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Healthy, strong teeth are less prone to chipping. Maintaining a routine of regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups helps prevent decay and enamel weakening. Using fluoride toothpaste can further fortify enamel and minimise the risk of damage.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic substances can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to chipping. Limit the consumption of carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and acidic snacks. Drinking water after consuming these items can help rinse away acids and protect your teeth.
Be Cautious With Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature changes, such as eating hot food followed by an icy drink, can cause teeth to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or chips. Aim to maintain moderate temperatures in your meals and beverages.
Strengthen Weak Teeth
If your teeth are naturally weak or have been compromised by decay, consider treatments like dental crowns or veneers. These restorative and cosmetic solutions can protect your teeth while enhancing their strength and appearance.
Routine Dental Check-Ups
Scheduling regular dental visits allows your dentist to identify and address minor issues, such as enamel wear or small cracks before they escalate. They can also offer tailored advice to help protect your teeth, considering your lifestyle and oral health needs.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
It can be tempting to use your teeth to open packages or tear materials, but this habit puts unnecessary stress on them. Always use the proper tools for these tasks to avoid damaging your teeth.
Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth can lead to increased tooth decay, which weakens enamel and makes your teeth more susceptible to chips. Drinking water regularly helps maintain saliva production, which protects your teeth by neutralising acids and washing away food particles.
By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of chipping or breaking a tooth. Protecting your tooth enamel, addressing risk factors like grinding, and maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine will ensure your smile stays strong and healthy for years to come. For additional guidance, consult your dentist during your next visit.
When to Call It a Dental Emergency
While not all chipped teeth require urgent care, certain situations call for immediate attention:
- Severe pain that doesn’t subside.
- Exposed nerves cause intense sensitivity.
- Tooth fragment lodged in gums.
- Bleeding or swelling around the affected tooth.
If you suspect a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately to avoid further injury or complications.
The Role of Temporary Fixes
While waiting to see a dentist, temporary solutions like dental wax, sugar-free gum, or temporary dental filling material can help protect the damaged tooth and ease discomfort. However, these are not substitutes for professional care.
FAQs About Chipped Teeth
- Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
It depends on the severity. If the chip causes significant pain, exposes nerves, or involves a large portion of the tooth, it’s considered a dental emergency. Minor chips may not require immediate attention but should still be assessed by a dentist as soon as possible.
- Can you repair a chipped front tooth?
Yes, chipped front teeth are often repaired using dental bonding, veneers, or crowns, depending on the extent of the damage. These treatments restore both the appearance and functionality of the tooth.
- Does fixing a chipped tooth hurt?
Most chipped tooth treatments, such as bonding or crowns, are comfortable and may only require mild numbing. Procedures like root canal therapy for severely damaged teeth are performed under local anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
- Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No, a chipped tooth cannot heal itself because tooth enamel does not regenerate. Even for minor chips, it’s important to see a dentist for proper evaluation and repair to prevent further damage or sensitivity.
- Can you chip a tooth while grinding your teeth?
Yes, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can weaken enamel over time, making teeth more prone to chipping. Using a mouth guard can help protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding, especially at night.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, See a Dentist Immediately
If you chip a tooth, don’t ignore it. Even a minor chip can lead to further injury, tooth decay, or more extensive treatment down the line. Whether it’s a slightly chipped tooth or a severely damaged tooth, getting timely care ensures your oral health and smile stay intact.
From dental bonding to crowns, treatment options are tailored to restore your tooth’s structure and appearance. Remember, your natural tooth is worth preserving, so seek help as soon as possible.
Schedule a consultation today at (08) 7078 8263 and take the first step toward repairing your smile!
References:
- Colgate. (n.d.). Do I need a night guard? Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bruxism/do-i-need-a-night-guard
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral hygiene. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- Healthline. (n.d.). What to know about temporary fillings. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/temporary-filling
- WebMD. (n.d.). What is saliva? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-saliva