Nothing causes excruciating pain more than a chipped tooth that is left exposed. It’s estimated, between 30% and 74% of people have chipped teeth at the age of 30-50 years. Dentists report this as the result of poor dental hygiene, exposure to conditions that make teeth vulnerable to chipping or common unexpected accidents.

Unless it’s a chip on the front teeth, it’s not a cause for serious concern to have a chipped tooth. Regardless, you might want to find quick measures to prevent further severe injuries in the case of a new chip. You will need to consult a dentist to have the chip dealt with and to avoid any infections or pain.

Here are 5 things you can do when you have a chipped tooth and how to get help.

1. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water

This quick first aid tip helps to clear ant blood, remnants, and irritants around the tooth to ease the pain. Scraps from a chipped tooth are quite dangerous as they can cut the tongue or the cheeks if not cleared out. Rinsing the tooth area with water allows the pressure to stop bleeding, soothing the pain that could otherwise cause discomfort.

2. Relieve the Pain

A slightly chipped tooth can have a sharp pain that can be recurrent over a short period before medical attention is offered. A serious chip or fracture, on the other hand, might not only cause agonizing pain but the pain may result in swelling. Suffering from a slight chip is quickly relieved by a pack of ice.

Although the ice reduces the swelling, it’s necessary that over the counter medications is taken to help reduce the pain before further treatment is considered.

3. Cover the Sharp parts

The main objective after chipping of the teeth occurs to mitigate any further injuries. Jagged edges are the remnants of chipped teeth and may pose as a risk factor for your tongue and cheeks. It’s advisable that the edges are smoothened by application of dental wax or utilizing sugarless gum to cover the sides.

The remaining bit of the tooth also needs protecting from further damage, and it’s advisable to apply dental cement if it’s readily available.

4. Visit the Dentist Soonest

Seek medical attention a few hours after the incident and after first aid has been administered. If one is unable, a call to the dentist and explaining the extent of the chip can help in guiding what options to consider. Chipped teeth in most occasions worsen with time and as such, visiting a dentist can prevent further injury and save on the torture of pain caused by chipped teeth.

5. Treatment Options

Depending with the extent of a chip, a dental filling can help in dealing with moderate fractures. If the incident impacted on the front teeth, then the patient may need to further consult on the best option. The severity of the injury will require chipped tooth repair which may be done through crowns, dental veneers, bonding or a root canal procedure.

Chipped Tooth

Accidents are unavoidable, but further injuries can be prevented by quick soft procedures to reduce the impacts. A chipped tooth, especially a front one, does not mean the end of your perfect smile. Consulting a dentist allows for evaluation and determination of the best treatment option.

For more information on what to do when you chip a tooth, check out our service blog.

Let’s be honest, it is very easy to have the habit of putting off a dental appointment one time or the other. Some people have even put off going to the dentist completely for many years. Over time, teeth fall into bad shape. Plaque and tartar start to build up, sensitivity, bleeding gums, toothaches, and gradual decay of teeth. At this point, many people question whether it is too late to go to the dentist.

No matter your age, the condition of your teeth, or how long it’s been since your last dental checkup, there is always something the dentist can do to help you. Even if all your teeth have fallen out, your oral health can still be restored to give you more confidence and boost your self-esteem.

Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed for not keeping up with a dental routine, it happens to the best of us. Life gets busy with family issues, work, traveling, financial issues, anxiety, etc. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, make the first step; months or years, don’t let it hold you back.

Why It’s Important to Go to the Dentist Regularly

Going to the dentist regularly, even when nothing is wrong, is very important for your dental health. The importance of professional dental care is:

• Help in Early Diagnosis of Any Problems

The dentist can detect any tooth decay, gum problems, and any indications of oral cancer before the problem gets out of hand. Prevention is always the best cure when it comes to preserving your smile. Dental care is very important for women who are pregnant or nursing because gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to some birth defects and complications during birth.

• Keep the Dental Costs Low

Most people keep off going to the dentist because they fear the cost, however, the more you stay away, the costlier it becomes, and the more hours you will have to spend in a dentist’s office.

• Maintaining a Great Smile

By going to the dentist on a regular basis, he or she will be able to detect any oral health issues and offer you the best treatment. This way you get to maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. The dentist can offer teeth-whitening options for stained teeth, sensitive toothpaste to preserve the enamel, treat receding gums, and curb gum disease.

Life can be stressful, between paying rent, bills, raising children, working, and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to make time to take care of yourself. Brushing your teeth every day and visiting the dentist might not seem like very pressing matters, but they are very important in the long-run. Going to the dentist is not too late, and you should not put it off anymore if you care about your overall well-being.

At Dupont Dental, we aim to ensure your oral health is great. Do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have. We provide everything from ordinary fillings to implants, and we will work to help you and your family members in achieving healthy, beautiful smiles. Call us today to book an appointment.