Table of Contents
TL;DR
- A chipped tooth occurs when enamel breaks off due to injury, biting hard objects, or accidents. Do not ignore, even if it is minor.
- Avoid chewing on that side, rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress, and preserve broken pieces in milk.
- It can lead to mouth cuts, tooth sensitivity, further breakage, and bacterial infections, causing severe pain.
- Seek prompt dental treatment to prevent complications and restore your tooth through bonding, fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, or polishing.
What is a Chipped Tooth?
Imagine enjoying a snack when you suddenly feel something hard in your mouth. Your heart sinks as you realize it’s not part of the food but a chipped tooth. This situation is more common than you think, often caused by accidents or injuries.
Your teeth are protected by a tough enamel layer, but even this strong coating has its limits and can crack or break under pressure. While some chips may seem minor, ignoring them can lead to serious complications.
What are the Possible Consequences of an Ignored Chipped Tooth?
It is not advisable to ignore chipped tooth symptoms for a long time. Here are some consequences of doing so:
- Cuts in the Mouth: A chipped tooth often has a jagged edge that can injure your cheeks, gums, or tongue. These cuts may develop into painful ulcers, making everyday activities like eating and speaking uncomfortable.
- Tooth Sensitivity: When enamel is damaged, the inner layers of the tooth, including the nerves, can become exposed. This can cause heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and drinks.
- Further Tooth Damage: Tooth chipping is naturally damaging to your tooth structure. With a chipped surface, it becomes more vulnerable to breaking further. A broken tooth may require you to undergo more complex treatments to restore your tooth to its normal condition.
- Infection: Deep chips can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to decay or infection. The bacteria feed on sugars on the exposed surface, increasing the risk of severe toothaches and more serious dental problems if left untreated.
Causes and Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth
Now that you know what a tooth chipping is, let’s understand how it occurs and what its common symptoms are.
Causes:
- Injury: Trauma to the face or jaw, such as from accidents or falls, can easily chip tooth enamel.
- Chewing or Biting Hard Foods or Objects: Hard foods like apples, nuts, or candies can weaken enamel and cause it to crack or break while chewing.
- Using Teeth as Tools: Opening packages or tearing items with your teeth may seem convenient, but it increases the risk of chips and fractures.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Constant grinding or clenching puts pressure on teeth, wearing down enamel and making them more prone to chipping.
Symptoms:
- Visible Damage: A missing tooth fragment is often the most noticeable sign.
- Rough or Jagged Edges: Running your tongue over the affected tooth may reveal a sharp or uneven surface.
- Tooth Sensitivity or Pain: Larger chips can expose the inner layers of the tooth, making it sensitive or painful, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold items.
What Should You Do When You Notice a Chipped Tooth?
Here’s the correct way suggested by our dentists at Brooklyn Blvd Dental to handle a broken tooth:
Proper Storage of a Broken Tooth Fragment:
If you have a broken tooth fragment, start by rinsing it gently with clean water. Avoid scrubbing or removing any tissue that may still be attached. The best way to preserve the tooth is to store it in milk. If milk isn’t available, you can place it in your saliva or a saline solution.
Keep the fragment in a small container, such as a cup or plastic bag, and get to a dentist immediately, as timely action is crucial for possible reattachment.
For the Remaining Tooth in Your Mouth:
Rinse gently with warm salt water to clean the area. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain relief may ease discomfort. Be sure to avoid chewing on that side until you receive professional dental care.
How Do Dentists Treat a Chipped Tooth?
Treatment for a chipped or broken tooth will depend on the severity of the damage. Your dentist may suggest:
- Dental Bonding: For minor chips, dentists apply a tooth-colored resin to fill and reshape the damaged area.
- Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain or composite shells can cover the front surface of the tooth for a natural look.
- Crowns: Large or severe chips may require a crown to protect the tooth and restore strength.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the chip exposes the tooth’s pulp and causes pain or infection, a root canal may be necessary before restoration.
- Polishing or Smoothing: Small, superficial chips can sometimes be smoothed and polished to prevent sharp edges.
Takeaway
Whether minor or severe, a chipped tooth should never be ignored. Prompt dental attention can prevent further damage and ensure your smile stays healthy. If you’re unsure about your treatment options, consulting an experienced dentist is the best first step. Check online reviews and consider a clinic known for successfully addressing chipped teeth.
If you are looking for a reliable dentist in brooklyn park, our expert team at Brooklyn Blvd Dental is ready to put your worries at ease and provide personalized treatment to restore your smile. Schedule your consultation today and experience the confidence and comfort that come with professional cosmetic dentistry.
Call us at (763) 533-8669 or visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 to take the first step towards a flawless smile.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to leave a tooth chipped?
No. Even a small chip can weaken the tooth and lead to pain, sensitivity, or further damage. It’s best to consult a dentist.
2. Will my tooth grow back if it’s chipped?
No. Adult teeth do not regrow. Treatment options like bonding, veneers, or crowns are needed to restore the tooth.
3. Can a chipped tooth get infected?
Yes, if the chip exposes the inner layers of the tooth, bacteria can enter and cause infection, potentially leading to pain or abscess.
4. Should I file down a chipped tooth?
No, filing it yourself can worsen the damage. Only a dentist should smooth or repair a chipped tooth safely.
