Sometimes, it can be hard for people to believe just how easy it is to chip a tooth until it happens to them. Whether you bit into the wrong thing, fell in the wrong place, or even just dropped a phone onto your face by accident, damage to your teeth can be more than a little shocking.
Thankfully, you can make your smile whole again in no time at all if you act quickly. Here’s what your next step should be if you chip a tooth.
Rinse Gently
The first thing you should do if you chip a tooth is to gently rinse out your mouth. The reasons for this are twofold: first, it’s a good idea to make sure your mouth is clean. If the interior of your tooth is exposed, any dirt or debris could cause serious problems.
The second is to get rid of the fraction of your tooth that came off. Biting down on a piece of your enamel is far from ideal, and the jagged edges could damage the soft tissues in your mouth if they scrape against it.
Stabilize the Situation
Next, it’s important to make sure that you’re at least fairly comfortable. If your tooth is bleeding, apply a clean towel or piece of gauze to the tooth, being careful not to irritate the area. You might also want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever or apply a cold compress to the area, both of which could make the situation much more comfortable for you.
Talk to a Dentist
Once the initial shock of chipping your tooth has worn off, talk to your dentist. They’ll be able to talk to you about the severity of the damage you’re dealing with and arrange for an appointment for you to see them. There, they’ll be able to use a tooth-colored composite resin to quickly patch up your enamel.
If the damage is profound, it may be necessary for you to come in for a same-day emergency appointment. Your dentist will be able to tell you more when you talk to them.
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner has earned a long list of accolades in his career as a dentist, but the thing that means the most to him is the smiles of his patients. Being able to restore the confidence and health of the members of his community is incredibly rewarding for him, and it’s what motivates him to learn more.
Dr. Latner received his dental degree from Washington University School of Dental Medicine. He is one of less than 10 dentists worldwide who have received both accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry.
If you have any questions about a chipped tooth, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (310) 477-1081.