5 Things You Should Do About a Chipped Tooth

Did you know your tooth enamel is the hardest material in your body? While it’s durable enough to withstand excessive pressures from chewing every day, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to damage. One wrong movement or bite can easily cause a chipped tooth. Since you’ll have to act fast in this situation, it’s important to know how to handle this dental emergency ahead of time. Keep reading to learn five things you should do if you experience a chipped tooth!

#1: Notify Your Dentist

The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your dentist about your situation. Not only can they assess your situation and walk you through the next steps you should take, but they can also pencil you in for an appointment as soon as possible. If your condition isn’t too severe, then you may be able to wait until the next available time to get treatment. In the meantime, they can give you personalized first-aid instructions to handle your tooth.

#2: Rinse Out Your Mouth

You’ll need to carefully rinse out your mouth with warm water. This will help remove any debris, dirt, bacteria, and blood from around the exposed area. You’ll also avoid accidentally biting down on or swallowing any pieces of your chipped tooth. If you can, try to save any large pieces and place them in a container to bring to your appointment.

#3: Stop Any Bleeding

In some cases, the physical impact on your tooth may cause bleeding in your mouth. If this happens, make sure to apply gentle, constant pressure to the area with clean gauze or washcloth after rinsing the area. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop or becomes worse after 10-15 minutes, then you should head straight to your local ER for urgent care.

#4: Manage Discomfort & Swelling

Make sure to apply a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes at a time. This will help minimize any swelling or numb discomfort you might experience from a chipped tooth. Try taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label. Keep clear of products containing aspirin or anticoagulants if you’re bleeding.

#5: Protect Your Tooth Until You See Your Dentist

Once you’ve cleaned your mouth and alleviated any symptoms, you’ll want to avoid touching or chewing on that side. Refrain from eating hard or crunchy meals that can cause further damage. You can also use sugar-free gum or dental wax to cover the chipped area in case of any sharp or broken edges.

Once you’ve completed these few steps, you’ll be well-prepared to visit your dentist for treatment. Depending on your situation, they may provide you with dental bonding or a crown to address the issue. Rest assured, your dentist will do everything they can to help restore your healthy and beautiful pearly whites!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick is a member of several groups like the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Society. He studied at the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry and continues to seek advanced training to further his expertise. He offers a wide range of high-quality services, including dental bonding, crowns, and emergency dentistry. If you need to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 405-732-0431.