Your teeth are the hardest substance in your body; however, they aren’t indestructible. Your teeth can chip or break without any warning, such as from trauma. No matter the cause, it’s a dental emergency, and you need to see your dentist right away, even if you aren’t in any pain. If you wait too long to have your tooth treated, it can lead to permanent damage. Don’t panic! Here’s what you should do for a chipped tooth until you’re able to see your dentist.
First Aid for a Chipped Tooth
A sudden broken or chipped tooth can happen to anyone, regardless of their oral health. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, your dentist recommends you follow a few simple tips:
1. Rinse Your Mouth with Water
Immediately after chipping your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and rinse away any blood. If the broken piece of your tooth is still in your mouth, the water will remove it to avoid swallowing the piece or causing additional injury if you bite down on it.
2. Stop Any Bleeding
If you experienced trauma to your mouth, it’s not unusual to have some bleeding. Apply pressure to the area with gauze or a clean cloth to control the bleeding while reducing the likeliness of swallowing any blood. Don’t scrub or irritate the area while you’re applying pressure to prevent any unnecessary pain or additional bleeding. If you can’t get it to stop, or you have any dizziness, head to your local hospital.
3. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress can help reduce any pain or swelling because it causes the blood vessels to constrict. Decreasing blood flow will minimize inflammation and bleeding while also numbing the area.
4. Take an OTC Pain Reliever
If you have any discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug can decrease your pain and reduce swelling, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
5. Keep Your Tooth Clean
Avoid chewing with your tooth until after it has been repaired to avoid additional damage while also keeping food particles away. Maintain your oral hygiene routine to keep your tooth clean to prevent harmful bacteria from causing additional complications, like an infection.
6. Call Your Dentist
Although no one has the time for an unplanned dental appointment, it’s best to contact your dentist right away. They’ll create the personalized plan you need to save your tooth and stop your pain.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Don’t let a chipped tooth leave a lasting mark on your smile. Contact your emergency dentist right away and provide the appropriate first aid at home to restore a healthy, functional tooth.
About Dr. Stephen C. Brown
Dr. Brown earned his dental degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and has completed additional training at the Las Vegas Institute. With over 42 years of experience in dentistry, he has the qualifications and reputation you can trust. If you have a dental emergency, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.