Chipping a tooth can be a startling experience, whether it happens while you’re eating your favorite snack or as a result of an injury while playing sports. Dental damage is always stressful, yet it is important to stay calm and address the issue as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Our guide will help you figure out what to do when a tooth chips, from essential first aid steps to when it is necessary to see a dentist. If you’re experiencing dental pain and discomfort, reach out to a professional to get the treatment you need.

Understand the Causes of a Chipped Tooth

Dental enamel is the strongest tissue in the human body, yet there are plenty of reasons why your tooth may get damaged. Knowing what caused the issue may help you communicate the symptoms to your dentist better and get the treatment you need.

The most common causes of a chipped tooth include:

• Physical trauma—if you were hit in the face while playing sports or fell down the stairs, it is possible to chip a tooth as a result of the injury
• Teeth grinding—patients who suffer from bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth during sleep) often deal with dental damage, including chipped teeth
• Poor oral hygiene—when you fail to brush and floss your teeth daily, your enamel may weaken, making your teeth more prone to chipping
• Chewing on hard objects—biting your nails and trying to open bottle caps with your teeth—is never a good idea. If you also have a habit of munching on ice cubes, we suggest you give it up

Steps to Take After Chipping a Tooth

Wondering what to do when you chip a tooth? Here are a few steps you should take as soon as you realize you have a dental emergency on your hands.

Rinse Your Mouth

It is important to keep your mouth clean to prevent infections. Fill a glass with warm water, add a teaspoon of salt, and rinse your mouth to reduce inflammation. Saltwater has mild antibacterial properties and may promote gum health.

Stop the Bleeding

If you notice blood in your mouth, fold a piece of sterile gauze, place it against the damaged tooth, and gently bite down on it. The pressure will help you stop the blood flow.

Manage the Pain

In case you do not have access to a painkiller, you can use a cold compress to reduce the swelling and numb the area around the chipped tooth. Wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and hold the compress against your cheek for ten minutes.

Call Your Dentist

Even if you are not in pain, it is recommended to see a dental professional. After examining your mouth, the dentist will be able to advise you whether you need treatment or not.

Home Remedies for a Chipped Tooth

While you should not rely on DIY treatment and visit the dentist instead, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate the symptoms of a chipped tooth.

Dental Wax

Pay a visit to the nearest pharmacy and purchase dental wax, also known as orthodontic wax. This substance is often used to coat sharp edges of dental fixtures—you can apply it over the chipped tooth to protect the soft tissues in your mouth.

Saltwater Rinse

You do not need to go to the store to make a saltwater solution. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater at least three or four times a day to speed up the healing process.

Clove Oil

This essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton swab and hold it against the chipped tooth to soothe the pain.

Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth

The treatment for a chipped tooth will depend on several factors: the tooth that was chipped, the size of the chip, and the symptoms you have. Talk to your dentist and decide together which of the options listed below is suitable for you.

Smoothing the Tooth

In case the chip is minor, your dentist may simply polish the rough edge of the tooth and send you home without any treatment. Do not let the small size of the chip fool you, though—even a tiny crack in the enamel may lead to cavities and infection.

Dental Bonding

This quick and painless procedure is typically carried out to restore a chipped front tooth. The dentist applies composite resin, the substance that matches the color of your teeth, over the chipped area, shapes the tooth, and hardens the resin with a special lamp.

Dental Crown

If a large piece of the tooth is missing, the dentist may suggest a dental crown, also called a dental cap. This permanent fixture, made of metal, porcelain, or ceramic, will fully cover the damaged tooth, preserving its function and preventing further breakage.

How to Prevent Tooth Chipping in the Future

Once your tooth is fixed, you should do your best to avoid chipping it again. Here are a few tips you may find helpful.

Be Careful With What You Eat

There is no need to give up on your favorite foods altogether, but certain dietary adjustments may be in order. Refrain from eating hard candies and nuts on one side of the mouth if the tooth on the other side is chipped.

Wear a Mouthguard

Do you practice martial arts or play hockey? If your hobby or profession is linked to physical activity, invest in a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from impact

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, use dental floss to clean the areas your toothbrush cannot reach, and see your dentist at least once a year for a regular checkup.

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