If you have experienced a chipped tooth, you know that it can really hurt and be a major inconvenience. While you can definitely fix a chipped tooth, it can be painful in the meantime. You are most likely going to need to see a dentist, but managing your pain and discomfort until you get into the appointment is important.
Steps to Take After a Chipped Tooth
Do not try to fix anything at home. This is a job for the professionals. If you have chipped your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water right away to clean and flush your mouth.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the area every few minutes to reduce any swelling. If necessary, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to help reduce swelling and address any pain. Lastly, if you can find the portion of the chipped tooth that has come off, wrap it in wet gauze and bring it to the dentist with you.
Steps to Take Before You See the Dentist
While you should always defer to your dentist’s recommendations, there are some steps you can take to take care of your chipped tooth before you visit them. Again, contact your dentist immediately and see what they suggest.
Until the appointment, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the damaged tooth. You can also floss around the tooth to reduce any pressure or irritation due to inflammation.
If your tooth has a small chip, you can apply dental wax to keep it from damaging your mouth or cutting your tongue. Again, ask your dentist before you do this as it has the potential to damage your chipped tooth further.
Dental Visit
Once you get into the dentist for treatment, there are various treatment methods to fix a chipped tooth. These depend on the severity of the chip, including where it is on your actual tooth. Below are two of the most common methods for fixing a chipped tooth.
- Polishing: If the chipped tooth damage is minimal, a polish can smooth the surface area that was chipped.
- Bonding: If the chip is more significant, dentists can use a technique called bonding, which can get your tooth back to normal again. The dentist will remove excess debris and slightly roughen the area. They will then fill the area with a conditioning liquid and finalize the procedure applying a tooth-colored material called resin. This procedure is straightforward, non-invasive, and relatively pain-free.
The benefit of both of these procedures is that they can be done in one visit. You can get back to your normal daily activities as soon as you go home.
Steps to Strengthen Your Teeth
The enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest tissue found in the body. However, it can be easily chipped, cracked, or broken. It may be difficult to prevent a chipped tooth, as accidents can happen at any time. Still, there are steps you can take to strengthen your enamel through a healthy oral care routine. Below you will find some steps to ensure your enamel stays strong and healthy.
- Limit Sugar: Sodas, juices, candy, and pastries are all filled with sugar. The sugar has acids that can be harmful to your enamel as they can break it down to a weaker state.
- Calcium-Rich Diet: Calcium in food can counter the acids in your mouth that cause decay. It also has the added benefit of keeping your bones healthy.
- Fluoride: Toothpaste or mouthwash that has fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and repair the early stages of tooth decay. It can also help your teeth become more resistant to the harmful acids that come from food and bacteria in your mouth.
- Stay Hydrated: A dry mouth is a great breeding ground for bacteria. Staying hydrated can help flush out any harmful bacteria.
- Regular Checkups: Visit the dentist every six months and follow the dentist’s recommendations for how to maintain optimal oral health.
Dentists in Encino, California
The team at Encino Family Dental specializes in a variety of dental issues, including chipped, cracked, and broken teeth. Dr. Marian Yassa is a highly educated and experienced dentist. She has worked with numerous patients with a wide variety of dental issues.
Dr. Yassa and her team at Encino Family Dental are eager to help with any of your dental issues, whether you need to fix a chipped tooth or anything else. Contact the office for an appointment today!
