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You’ve Chipped Your Tooth

A chipped tooth can be a stressful experience, but it’s not always as serious as it may seem. Depending on the size and location of the chip, there are a few ways you can handle the situation. Understanding how to take care of a chipped tooth is essential for preventing further damage and making sure it heals properly. Here’s what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

If you’ve chipped a tooth, the first thing to do is stay calm. Most chips are minor and don’t cause pain. If the chip is small, it may not even be visible to others. Carefully look at your tooth in a mirror, and if you can, use your fingers to feel for any sharp edges. Sometimes, the chip may be more noticeable when you touch it with your tongue, especially if the chip is near the edge of the tooth.

Step 2: Stop Any Bleeding

In some cases, a chipped tooth can cause your gums to bleed. If this happens, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek or mouth to reduce any swelling or discomfort. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes, or if it seems excessive, you may need to visit a dentist right away.

Step 3: Protect the Tooth

If the chip has left a sharp edge, it can cause cuts to your mouth or tongue. To avoid this, you can cover the chipped area with dental wax or sugarless gum until you can get to a dentist. This temporary fix helps protect your mouth from further irritation or injury.

Step 4: Avoid Hard Foods

For the time being, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods, which could worsen the damage to your chipped tooth. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup. Chewing on hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or candy can stress the weakened tooth and cause it to break even further.

Step 5: Visit a Dentist

Even if the chip seems minor, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist will be able to evaluate the damage and suggest the best way to repair your tooth. Depending on the severity of the chip, the dentist may recommend a filling, bonding, a crown, or even a veneer. These treatments will not only restore the appearance of your tooth but also protect it from further damage or infection.

Step 6: How Your Dentist Can Fix a Chipped Tooth

There are several ways a dentist can repair a chipped tooth. If the damage is small, the dentist may use a tooth-colored filling or bonding material to reshape the tooth. 

For larger chips, a crown (a cap that fits over the tooth) may be needed to restore its function and appearance. In some cases, if the chip is in a highly visible area, a veneer, which is a thin shell that covers the front of the tooth, might be recommended.

Step 7: Prevent Future Chips

To prevent future chips, be mindful of what you eat and how you treat your teeth. Avoid biting hard objects, such as pens or ice, and always wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports. Regular dental checkups are also essential to catch any issues early before they lead to bigger problems, such as a chipped or cracked tooth.

Malan Family Dentistry Can Help!

A chipped tooth doesn’t always require an emergency visit, but it should never be ignored. Taking the right steps immediately can help protect your tooth and avoid further damage. 

If you need help with a chipped tooth or any other dental issue, Malan Family Dentistry in Rockingham, NC is a great place to go for all your dental care needs. Our experienced team will make sure your smile stays healthy and beautiful. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today!