No matter how healthy your mouth is, you could always end up chipping your tooth in some kind of accident, such as falling down and hitting your mouth. It can be easy to panic when you realize your tooth has been damaged, but fortunately, there are several steps you can follow to quickly take control of the situation and keep your smile safe. Here’s an overview of what to do when you have a chipped tooth.
Rinse Your Mouth Out Right Away
As soon as you realize that your tooth has been damaged, the first thing you need to do is use warm water to rinse your mouth. This will help wash away any debris or blood around the tooth. It’s important to keep the affected area clean until a dental professional is able to determine the extent of the damage.
Put a Stop to Any Bleeding
In some cases, the trauma that chipped your tooth may have also resulted in bleeding. If so, you should take a piece of gauze or a clean washcloth and apply pressure to the injured area. Ideally, the bleeding should stop after about 10 to 15 minutes; if it doesn’t, you should head to the nearest emergency room right away.
Reduce Any Swelling and Relieve Your Pain
Sometimes chipped teeth are accompanied by swelling, which you can keep under control by holding a cold compress against your face over the area in question. Additionally, if your mouth hurts, take some over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin if any bleeding has occurred, as it could make the issue worse.
Keep Your Tooth Safe
A chipped tooth is often susceptible to further injury, so you should focus on keeping it safe until it can be properly treated. Do not use the damaged tooth to bite down on anything. If you need to eat, stick to soft foods only and use the opposite side of your mouth to chew.
Preserve the Chipped-Off Part of the Tooth
Sometimes a chip can be reattached to the tooth it came from, but only if you take the necessary steps to preserve it. Keep it in a container filled with milk or saliva to make sure it stays moist, and don’t forget to bring it with you to your dentist’s office. Don’t worry if you end up losing the chip, though; your tooth can still be repaired through other means.
Set Up an Appointment with Your Dentist
Of course, you’ll want to reach out to your dentist and let them know what happened so that you can schedule an appointment. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist might recommend a filling or a crown to restore the tooth. Other treatments may also be suggested based on your specific needs. Remember, it’s best to have a chipped tooth dealt with as soon as possible so that you can avoid more severe dental problems.
About the Author
Dr. Karen Neil studied dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She opened her current Fort Worth dental office in 1993, and today she continues to utilize the latest techniques and technology to restore and protect her patients’ smiles. She offers same-day emergency care, and she can repair damaged teeth with personalized crowns and fillings. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Neil, visit her website or call (817) 402-8275.