A chipped tooth can become a serious health problem. The answer to whether a chipped tooth can get infected is definitively yes, and the risk depends entirely on the extent of the damage. Even a small fracture creates an entry point for bacteria. Prompt attention is important to prevent complications that may threaten the entire structure of the tooth.
How a Chip Leads to Infection
The primary defense of a tooth is the hard, outer layer known as enamel, which acts as a barrier against the bacteria naturally present in the mouth. When a tooth chips, this protective enamel shell is compromised, exposing the softer layers beneath it. A superficial chip that only affects the enamel carries a low risk of infection, but a deeper fracture presents a much greater danger.
A more extensive chip can expose the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth containing microscopic tubules leading toward the pulp. If bacteria reach the dentin, they can multiply and travel along these channels toward the innermost part of the tooth.
The dental pulp is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth, housing the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When a chip exposes the pulp, bacteria gain direct access, leading to inflammation called pulpitis. Untreated infection can result in a periapical abscess, a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of the tooth root.
Recognizing Symptoms of Dental Infection
An infected chipped tooth often presents with noticeable physical signs indicating pulp inflammation or an abscess. One common symptom is a severe, constant, throbbing toothache that may radiate into the jawbone, ear, or neck. This pain can feel more intense when lying down due to changes in blood pressure around the infected area.
Another key indicator is lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or discomfort when biting down or chewing. The tooth may also begin to show a noticeable discoloration, sometimes turning gray or dark as the internal tissue dies from the infection. Swelling in the cheek, face, or neck near the affected tooth can signal the infection has spread beyond the tooth itself.
A small, raised, pimple-like bump on the gums near the chipped tooth is known as a fistula or gum boil. This is the body’s attempt to drain pus from the abscess. If this bump ruptures, the patient may experience a sudden rush of foul-smelling, foul-tasting fluid. Even if the pain temporarily subsides after draining, the underlying bacterial infection remains and requires professional treatment.
Necessary Steps for Repair and Recovery
Immediate action is necessary to protect the exposed area and manage discomfort while waiting for a dental appointment. Rinsing the mouth gently with warm water helps clean the area. If the chip has left a sharp edge, covering it with dental wax or sugar-free gum prevents it from cutting the tongue or cheek.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce both pain and any accompanying swelling before professional care is received. It is important to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the damaged tooth to prevent further breakage or irritation.
The definitive treatment depends on the severity of the chip and whether an infection has developed. A minor chip affecting only the enamel can often be repaired with dental bonding, where a tooth-colored resin is applied to restore the surface. If the chip is larger and involves the dentin, a crown—a cap that covers the entire tooth—may be necessary to protect the weakened structure.
For cases where the infection has reached the pulp, a root canal procedure is performed to remove the infected tissue, disinfect the interior of the tooth, and seal it to prevent recurrence. If the tooth is too severely damaged or the infection is too extensive to save, the last resort is a tooth extraction. Seeking prompt dental intervention is important to prevent the infection from spreading to the jawbone or other areas of the body.