A chipped tooth is a fracture or break in the outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel, often occurring due to trauma or biting down on hard objects. This common injury breaches the tooth’s protective shell, making prompt attention necessary to prevent further damage or complications. The extent of the fracture can range from a minor cosmetic blemish to a break that exposes the tooth’s sensitive inner layers. While addressing the damage quickly is recommended, many people first need to know how to manage the situation at home immediately after the incident.
Brushing Safety and Immediate Concerns
Regular oral hygiene can continue after chipping a tooth, but with caution. It is important to continue brushing to remove bacteria and debris, which prevents decay and infection in the newly vulnerable area. However, the mechanical act of brushing introduces risks, mainly from the sharp edges created by the break.
These jagged points can easily cut and irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, and inner cheek lining. If the chip extends into the softer dentin layer, it will cause heightened sensitivity to temperature and pressure. If the pain is acute or brushing causes significant discomfort, temporarily avoid the damaged tooth and focus on cleaning the rest of your mouth. When brushing the affected area, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply minimal pressure to avoid irritating the exposed dentin.
Temporary Home Care Until a Dental Visit
Until a dental professional can provide definitive treatment, gently rinse the mouth with warm water to clear the area of any food particles or debris. Rinsing with a saltwater solution—about a half-teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of lukewarm water—can also help cleanse the area and reduce the risk of localized infection.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. If a sharp edge is present, protect the surrounding soft tissues from injury. You can temporarily cover the jagged point with dental wax, available at most pharmacies, or a small, flattened piece of sugar-free chewing gum.
To prevent further damage, avoid consuming hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could worsen the chip or place undue pressure on the tooth. Chewing food on the side of the mouth opposite the injured tooth will help prevent irritation and protect the area from biting forces.
Determining the Severity of the Chip
Severity is determined by the depth of the fracture. A minor chip, often referred to as an enamel fracture, involves only the outermost layer and may present only as a cosmetic issue or slight sensitivity. Sensitivity becomes more pronounced when the fracture extends into the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, which contains microscopic tubes leading to the tooth’s center.
The most serious chips expose the pulp chamber, which houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. Signs of this severe damage include sharp, persistent, or throbbing pain that lingers long after a hot or cold stimulus is removed. Bleeding from the center of the tooth or visible swelling around the tooth are clear indications of pulp involvement, which significantly increases the risk of bacterial infection. Untreated pulp exposure can lead to an abscess or widespread infection, necessitating prompt professional intervention.
Professional Repair Options
To repair a chipped tooth, professional treatment is necessary, as teeth cannot regenerate or heal themselves. The appropriate repair method depends directly on the location and extent of the damage. For small chips involving only the enamel, the simplest solution is often dental bonding, where a tooth-colored composite resin is applied, sculpted, and hardened with a specialized light.
If the chip is larger and affects a front tooth, a veneer may be the recommended option. A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite material that covers the entire front surface of the tooth, providing a durable and aesthetic fix. This procedure usually requires removing a small amount of enamel to prepare the tooth and ensure a natural fit.
If a significant portion of the tooth structure is lost, compromising its strength, a dental crown is required. A crown, or cap, is custom-made to encase the entire remaining tooth structure, restoring its original shape, strength, and appearance. If the chip is so deep that it has infected the pulp, a root canal procedure must first be performed to remove the damaged nerve tissue and clean the inner chamber. Following a root canal, a crown is almost always placed to protect the structurally weakened tooth.