It’s almost fall, but the weather is still a little warmer than you’d like it to be. So, you chew on ice sometimes to cool down. This is has never given you a problem before, until one day when you chomp down on the ice and it sends a jolt of pain through your mouth. You immediately spit out the ice into your hand and find broken pieces of your tooth! What should you do? Read this guide on how to handle a chipped tooth.
What Should You Do?
First things first, call your emergency dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This is especially true if you can see yellow dentin or red pulp exposed.
In the meantime, gather the pieces of the broken tooth and store them in a clean, dry container to take to the dentist. Rinse out your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. If your chipped tooth is the result of an injury, apply a cold compress to the appropriate cheek to prevent any swelling. If there are any hard edges on your remaining tooth, cover them up with dental wax or sugarless chewing gum to keep the soft tissues in your mouth from getting hurt.
What Happens Afterwards?
The treatment your dentist will prescribe depends on how bad the damage is. If injury caused your pulp to become exposed, it’s more likely to get a bacterial infection. In that case, your dentist may suggest a temporary crown to protect it, or root canal therapy to replace the pulp with synthetic material that won’t get infected. However, if the tooth is so broken that it can’t be repaired, extraction might be the only option.
How Can You Prevent a Chipped Tooth?
You can’t always predict a dental emergency, but you can lessen their likelihood of occurring. The best way to prevent your tooth from getting injured is to wear a mouthguard during sports. This durable plastic tray is worn over the teeth to keep them from getting hurt by impact. You can get one custom-made from your dentist that fits like a charm and works much better than the cheaply made models you find at the pharmacy or sporting goods store.
The other main way to prevent a tooth from chipping is to avoid biting down on very hard foods like popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candy. These can cause your teeth to break, especially if your teeth are already weak from decay. To keep your teeth strong, brush and floss every day, and see your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
About the Author
Dr. Willy Kassem completed his dental degree from Temple University in 2007. Since then, he has been practicing at iSmile Dental Arts in Williamstown, NJ. His practice welcomes walk-in emergencies such as a chipped tooth. If you break your tooth, don’t hesitate to call (856) 818-9998 or contact his practice here to schedule an emergency appointment.
