A chipped tooth, whether caused by an accident or biting down on something hard, requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. This injury compromises the tooth’s protective enamel layer, potentially exposing the sensitive inner dentin or pulp. Home remedies can offer temporary relief and stabilize the injury, but they are not a substitute for professional dental care. The primary goal of any temporary measure is to create a smooth surface to protect the surrounding oral tissues until a dentist can provide a permanent restoration. Seeking dental treatment is urgent, as even a small chip can lead to infection or structural failure if left untreated.
Immediate Care and Preparation
Begin by gently rinsing your mouth thoroughly with warm water to cleanse the wound and remove any small fragments of the tooth or debris. A solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water can also be used to rinse, which aids in keeping the area clean and soothed.
To manage pain and any potential swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek directly over the injured area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can also be taken according to package directions to help alleviate discomfort. If you can locate the piece of the chipped tooth, handle it carefully by the crown. Storing the fragment in a small container of milk or a mild saline solution helps preserve the tissue cells and gives the dentist the option of reattaching it. Until you can apply a protective barrier, it is advisable to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the injured tooth.
Applying a Temporary Barrier
The jagged surface of a chipped tooth can easily irritate or cut the tongue, cheek, and lips, increasing the risk of infection and discomfort. Creating a smooth, temporary barrier over the chip prevents this irritation and shields the sensitive underlying dentin from temperature changes and bacteria.
Over-the-counter temporary dental repair kits are available at most pharmacies. These kits often contain materials like temporary dental cement, which may be a zinc polycarboxylate or a similar dental-grade compound designed to adhere safely to the tooth surface. Carefully follow the product’s instructions, which typically involve mixing a putty-like material or softening thermal beads in warm water before molding it over the chipped area. The goal is to create a seamless, smooth surface that covers all exposed, rough edges without interfering with your bite.
If a specialized kit is unavailable, dental wax offers an excellent stopgap measure, particularly for small chips on the front teeth. This non-toxic, pliable material is often utilized by people with braces to cover sharp wires. Take a small, pea-sized amount of the wax, roll it between your fingers to soften it, and then gently press it firmly over the chipped edge until the rough surface is completely covered and smooth to the touch. This material can be easily removed and replaced as needed.
Sugar-free chewing gum can serve as a final alternative if neither a repair kit nor dental wax is accessible. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum until it is soft and malleable, then carefully mold it over the chipped surface, ensuring the injured area is dry before application to aid adhesion. It is important to use only sugar-free varieties to prevent sugar from feeding bacteria directly onto the exposed tooth surface. Under no circumstances should household adhesives, such as superglue, be used on a tooth, as these products are toxic and can cause serious damage to oral tissues.
Urgent Warning Signs and Professional Follow-Up
There are certain symptoms that signal a dental emergency requiring immediate attention, rather than waiting for a routine appointment. The most serious sign is the visible exposure of the pulp, the tooth’s innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels, which appears as a small red spot or deep pink area within the fracture.
Severe, throbbing pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medication suggests nerve involvement and a possible infection. Any uncontrolled bleeding from the injury site or swelling in the gums, face, or jaw should prompt an immediate call to an emergency dentist. If the chip resulted from a significant blow to the head, or if you experience symptoms like dizziness or nausea, seek medical evaluation immediately to rule out a concussion.
During the professional visit, the dentist will assess the extent of the damage, often using X-rays to check for root or pulp injury. For minor chips affecting only the enamel, the tooth may be restored using cosmetic bonding, where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and sculpted. Larger chips or fractures may necessitate placing a veneer, a thin, custom-made shell that covers the front surface of the tooth, or a crown, which fully caps the tooth to restore its shape and strength. These permanent solutions are necessary to seal the tooth against bacteria and fully restore its function and appearance.