Facial trauma and stress can crack or chip your teeth, resulting in pain and, sometimes, panic. Depending on the severity, you may experience a lot of discomfort, and it’s important to act quickly, as large fractures open the door to decay-causing bacteria. Contact your dentist and take the following steps to ensure the best outcome.

What to Do When You Chip a Tooth

1. Rinse

Sterilize the area immediately by carefully swishing warm, clean salt water around in your mouth. This will keep bacteria away from the tooth. If there’s gum bleeding, apply a piece of gauze. Also, use a cold compress on your cheek and OTC pain medications to manage discomfort. Utilize the compress in 15-minute intervals. Finally, avoid putting your fingers in your mouth, as you may overstimulate the problem areas and introduce more bacteria.

2. Schedule a Dentist Appointment

Regardless of the severity, schedule a dentist appointment right away. They will properly clean the area and use dental bonding to sculpt over minor chips. If there’s a significant fracture, they can seal it. Additionally, if the tooth is too heavily damaged, or if a root canal infection has developed, they’ll clean it and then apply a dental crown to protect your smile.

If you’ve chipped a large portion of a tooth or have lost one, carefully wrap it in a wet paper towel. You can also place it in a glass of milk. The dentist may be able to reapply it.

3. Watch What You Eat & Drink

If the chip or break isn’t severe enough to warrant an emergency dentist trip, watch what you eat and drink leading up to your visit. Hot and cold foods and drinks can cause sharp pain if the nerve is exposed. Also, sweet and sour foods can lead to irritation and enamel erosion. If part of the tooth is jagged, cover it with gauze so it doesn’t stab your tongue or cheek.

You can avoid future problems by chewing carefully and avoiding ice and non-edible objects. Finally, ask your dentist about a custom mouthguard to wear during contact sports.

Whether you need cosmetic repairs or are just overdue for a cleaning, turn to Dr. David K. Skeels. Serving Rochester, NY, and the surrounding communities, Dr. Skeels has extensive experience in dental care, including 1000 credit hours of continued education. He offers both general and cosmetic dentistry services, which you can explore on his website. Call (585) 467-7000 to schedule an exam, and connect on Facebook for updates.