Chipped Teeth: Causes, Treatment and Emergency Care Tips

chipped-teeth

Wondering what to do if you have chipped teeth? While you may not think so because the enamel on your teeth is so strong, many people experience getting chips in their teeth. One of the things you can do to help prevent your teeth from becoming chipped is to keep them strong by brushing and flossing daily. Another is to avoid consuming anything that can negatively affect the enamel, like soda and fruit drinks, as the more enamel you have, the better. Keeping your teeth strong is important. When your teeth are weak, they are going to be much more susceptible to damage, which jeopardizes the entire tooth.

Causes of chipped teeth

While there are definitely many things that can happen to someone that can result in a chipped tooth, some of these causes tend to happen more often than others. One of the most common reasons for someone experiencing a chipped tooth involves being in some type of accident, like a car accident or sports injury accident. Even tripping and falling down can cause someone to chip one of their teeth. A second common cause of someone getting one or more chips in their teeth is biting or chewing on hard things, like pencils and ice. A third common cause is grinding one’s teeth, which can happen in the daytime or at night.

Treating a chipped tooth

When it comes to treating a chip someone has in one of their teeth, it will simply depend on how minor or how major the chip is as well as where the tooth is located. If the chipped off part of the tooth has been saved, then it is possible for a dental professional to reattach the chip back into the tooth. If the chipped off part is missing, dental bonding or porcelain veneers can be used to make the tooth whole again. A dental onlay may also be used if a dental professional feels the integrity of the entire tooth is jeopardized.

Emergency care tips

A chip in one’s tooth is not normally considered to be an emergency situation unless the person is experiencing a great deal of pain.

#1 – Rinse the mouth

Rinsing with warm salt water helps to clean the mouth.

#2 – Swelling, pain

Applying a cold compress to the area will help to reduce any swelling. Taking an over-the-counter medication can assist with any pain.

#3 – Bleeding

If there is minimal bleeding, applying pressure to the area using a clean piece of gauze is recommended.

Are you currently living with chips in your teeth?

If you currently have chipped teeth, then you definitely want to have them fixed as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the weaker your chipped tooth will get. As stated above, there are many reasons why someone would have a chip in one or more of their teeth. There are also a few treatment options available when you have a chip in one of your teeth, so you have choices when it comes to tooth repair. If you have a question or need to make an appointment, know that we are here for you!

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