Chipped Tooth

• When a tooth is chipped, its surface or edge may be jagged or sharp. The chipped edge might cut your tongue or cheeks.
• A chipped tooth can expose the nerves or roots. You may therefore experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• A chipped tooth is often caused by tooth decay, which weakens teeth. Having decayed teeth leaves them more prone to pain and sensitivity, as well as breaking under the slightest bit of pressure.
• Cracks or chips can expose your tooth’s inner structure, making it more vulnerable to bacterial infection. If left untreated, this may lead to a dental abscess.

There are several reasons why teeth chip. Some of the most common causes are:

• biting down or chewing on hard foods like hard candy or ice
• using your teeth to open bottles or packages
• accidents
• playing contact sports or engaging in high-risk activities
• bruxism (teeth grinding)

In any event, a weakened tooth will chip more quickly than a strong one. Some factors that reduce the strength of a tooth are:

• tooth decay
• bruxism (teeth grinding)
• a diet high in acid or sugar
• excessive alcohol use
• old age
• acid reflux or heartburn

If you have a broken or chipped tooth, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. In the interim, you can take steps to limit the damage until you see a dentist:

1. Try to save any tooth fragments and rinse them with warm water. Immerse the fractured piece of tooth in milk or saliva in a small sealed container or zip-lock bag. Reattaching them may be possible if you bring them with you to your appointment.
2. Gargle warm water. Remove any food particles stuck between your teeth using dental floss to avoid adding even more pressure to your chipped tooth.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) can help you if you are experiencing pain. Applying clove oil or garlic paste around the affected area can also help numb painful gums.
4. Use a cold compress to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
5. You can protect your gums and tongue from the sharp edges of your chipped tooth by using temporary dental filling material, dental wax, or sugar-free gum.
6. Do not chew on your chipped tooth.

While accidents are unlikely to be avoided, you can prevent damage to your teeth by taking care of them. Here are some ways to maintain strong and healthy teeth:

1. When participating in contact sports or activities that expose you to a high fall risk, we recommend that you wear a protective mouthguard.
2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day.
3. Avoid rinsing your mouth with too much water after brushing your teeth, as this will wash away the fluoride that strengthens the enamel.
4. Consume as few sugary snacks and sodas as possible because the sugar and acid in them can cause enamel erosion.

Depending on how severely damaged the tooth is and what dental procedures must be performed in order to restore it, the cost of tooth repair will vary. Depending on their severity, location, and symptoms, various treatments are available for chipped teeth. A minor chip can usually be repaired simply by polishing and smoothing the tooth. There are times when tooth reattachment, dental bonding, crowns, dental veneers, root canals, and tooth extractions may be necessary.

Contact Smiles in Currambine for an emergency appointment so we can assess your tooth and recommend a treatment plan with an estimated cost.