Biting into something hard, falling, or grinding your teeth while sleeping can cause a chipped tooth. Even if you do not notice the chip immediately or feel discomfort, there are important steps to take to avoid more serious problems, like infection, an abscess, or tooth loss.

3 Steps to Take After Chipping a Tooth

1. Perform First Aid

Once you notice spot a chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. This helps keep infection-causing debris off the tooth, removes blood, and may alleviate some discomfort. If the tooth is bleeding, place sterile gauze on the area and apply light pressure to stop the flow. If you’re feeling discomfort or notice swelling, take over-the-counter pain medication to get relief.

2. Preserve the Chip

If possible, preserve the chip by placing it in milk to keep it moist. In some cases, broken pieces that are in good condition can be reattached to the tooth. It’s OK if you do not have the chip, as your dentist can offer other solutions to preserve and repair the remainder of the tooth.

3. Protect Your Tooth & Mouth

If you can’t get to the dentist immediately, apply dental cement to the chipped tooth to protect it from further damage. If dental cement isn’t available, use dental wax on the jagged part of the tooth to keep it from cutting your tongue and the inside of your mouth. You can also use sugarless gum to cap the tooth until it can be repaired.

If you’ve chipped a tooth and need immediate help, contact the team at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY. Dr. Tohill and his team will assess the affected tooth and make the necessary repairs to restore it. To get more information about his services, visit the website or call (606) 679-4450.