If you chip a tooth, contact your dentist immediately and schedule an appointment. Tell your dentist why you’re making the appointment so they can see you as soon as possible. Don’t try to fix a chipped tooth at home. You might do further damage.

Causes of a Chipped or Broken Tooth

There could be many different causes of a chipped tooth. Some of the most common causes include: [1]

• Injuries to the mouth or face
• Tearing open packages with your teeth
• Biting down on hard substances like ice or hard candy
• Grinding your teeth (i.e., bruxism)
• Fingernail biting

Risk Factors for a Chipped or Cracked Tooth

In addition to direct causes, there may be certain risk factors that could make you prone to chipping or cracking a tooth, such as: [2]

• Being over the age of 50
• Having acid reflux
• Eating a lot of acidic or sugary foods
• Tooth decay
• Having previous dental work, including a dental filling
• Having a history of teeth grinding

Types of Chipped Teeth

A chipped tooth can be a minor irritation or a major problem, and only your dentist will be able to tell the difference. Some of the varieties of chipped teeth include: [3]

• Simple cracked tooth: Also known as “craze lines,” these cracks are only surface-level cracks to the enamel. They might only require cosmetic dentistry repairs.
• Serious cracked tooth: This type of tooth crack extends beyond the tooth’s enamel to the tooth roots. If you have bleeding gums or a loose tooth, it could be a sign of a severe crack.
• Split Root: Sometimes, the crack begins in the root and can cause pain and inflammation. This type of tooth crack might require tooth extraction.
• Split Tooth: A split tooth may be more common in the molars, especially if you’ve had multiple fillings. Split teeth often need to be repaired with a bridge or dental implants.

How to Fix a Chipped Tooth

You should never try to fix a chipped tooth, even if it’s a small chip. You could do further harm to the tooth, which could cause pain, infection, and more costly dental work. It’s best to let a dental health professional address the situation.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends rinsing out your mouth with warm water and applying a cold compress to the cheek area where the tooth is located to reduce any pain or swelling. [4]There are a few additional things you can do to minimize any discomfort and prevent complications:

• If you can find the piece that chipped off your tooth, wrap it in damp gauze to bring with you to the dentist.
• Use dental wax if you have it to protect your mouth from possible irritation.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
• Avoid eating any hard foods until you see your dentist.

Chipped Tooth Treatment Options

There are many options to repair a chipped tooth, and it may come down to the size and type of the chip. Some chips are so small that they may only require cosmetic treatment. Others could be more serious. Here are some of the treatments your dentist may recommend:

• Bonding
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Root canal
• Fillings
• Tooth polishing

Preventing Chipped Teeth

It may not be possible to prevent a chipped tooth completely, since accidents happen. However, there may be some things you can do to reduce your risk of chipping a tooth. Some helpful prevention methods might include: [5]

• Use a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth at night.
• Don’t use your teeth for biting anything besides food.
• If you’re prone to chipping a tooth, avoid hard or crunchy foods.
• Have a medical professional treat acid reflux if you have it.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly.
• If you play sports, consider wearing a mouth guard.
• Avoid overly sugary or acidic foods.

Maintain Regular Checkups

Perhaps the best way to prevent a chipped tooth is to maintain good oral health. Stick to a regular routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and be sure to see your dentist regularly as well. The stronger and healthier your teeth are, the less likely they’ll chip. And in the unfortunate event that a tooth does chip, see a dentist right away to avoid further complications.

If you are ready to achieve your perfect smile reach out to Kunik Orthodontics today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about repairing a chipped tooth