Accidents happen. One minute you’re enjoying popcorn on movie night or crunching on some ice, and the next — you feel it. A sharp edge, a strange sensation, and you realize: you’ve chipped a tooth. It’s an all-too-common situation, and while it may feel alarming, the good news is that it’s often fixable.
Whether it’s a tiny chip or a bigger break, we’ll walk you through what to do right away, how to protect the area, and what to expect when you visit the dentist.
What causes a chipped tooth?
Your teeth are tough — stronger than bone. But they’re not indestructible. Just like porcelain mugs, enough pressure or the right kind of hit can lead to a chip or crack.
Common causes include:
- Biting down on hard foods (like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy)
- Facial trauma from sports or accidents
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Weak or decayed teeth from cavities
- Using your teeth as tools (opening bottles, tearing packages)
Even a seemingly harmless habit, like chewing on pens or nails, can wear down enamel over time and set the stage for a chipped tooth.
Sometimes a chipped tooth is obvious
- A sharp or rough spot on your tooth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain when chewing or biting
- A visible break or missing piece
- Swelling in the gums around the tooth
If something feels “off,” trust your instincts and take a closer look.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
Short answer? It depends.
If you’re not in pain and the chip is small, it’s usually not a medical emergency, but it should still be looked at soon. However, seek emergency dental care if:
- You’re in severe pain
- The tooth has a large break or is bleeding
- You can see exposed pulp (the soft center)
- There’s swelling or signs of infection
Even small chips can worsen without treatment, so it’s smart to call your dentist either way.
First steps: What to do immediately
The moment you realize you’ve chipped a tooth, here’s what to do:
- Stay calm. Panicking won’t help, and many chips are treatable.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Check for bleeding. If there is any, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
- Find and save the chip if you can — it might be reattached.
Imagine your tooth is like a broken fingernail. You wouldn’t leave it jagged and exposed, right? Same logic here. Protect it and get it taken care of.
Temporary home remedies
Can’t get to the dentist right away? Here are a few things you can do to protect the tooth:
- Cover any jagged edges to prevent cuts to your tongue or cheek with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
- Stick to soft foods until the tooth is repaired.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers if you have discomfort.
- Drink through a straw to avoid sensitivity from hot or cold liquids.
Remember that these are only temporary fixes — not a replacement for professional care.
What NOT to do with a chipped tooth
- Don’t chew on the broken tooth. This can cause more damage.
- Don’t ignore it. Even if it doesn’t hurt, bacteria can sneak in and cause decay.
- Don’t try to file it down yourself. Trust us—it won’t end well.
- Don’t use glue or superglue. It’s not safe or effective for your mouth.
When should you see a dentist?
Sooner is better. Ideally, call your dentist the same day it happens. If you can’t get in right away, ask for advice on what to do in the meantime.
If the chip is minor, your dentist may fit you in within a few days. For larger breaks or pain, they may see you immediately.
Treatment options for a chipped tooth
Treatment depends on the size and location of the chip.
Common options include:
- Dental bonding: A quick fix using tooth-colored resin to reshape the tooth.
- Veneers: Thin porcelain shells placed on front teeth, often used for visible chips.
- Dental crowns: Caps that cover and protect more severely damaged teeth.
- Root canal therapy: If the nerve is exposed or infected.
- Extraction and implant: In rare cases, when the damage is too severe.
How we repair chipped teeth at neighbor dental
Dental bonding is often done in one visit. The dentist applies a resin, shapes it to match your tooth, then hardens it with a light. Crowns may require 2 visits — one to shape the tooth and place a temporary crown, and another to place the permanent one. Veneers take a bit more prep but offer a flawless look, especially for front teeth.
In any case, we’ll ensure your tooth is functional, protected, and looks great.
Will it hurt? What to expects
Preventing future chips
You can’t avoid every accident, but you can protect your teeth:
- Don’t chew on ice, pens, or hard candy.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth.
- Practice good oral hygiene to keep teeth strong.
- Visit your dentist regularly to catch weak spots before they become breaks.
Long-term effects if left untreated
Even a tiny chip can lead to:
- Increased sensitivity
- Tooth decay
- Infection
- Pain or abscesses
- Further breakage
Bottom line: a chipped tooth won’t fix itself. The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) it could get.
Don’t let a chipped tooth worsen!
Chipping a tooth can be stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. In fact, with today’s dental technology, it’s often a quick and painless fix. The most important thing you can do is act quickly, protect the area, and see your dentist as soon as possible.
At neighbor dental, we’re ready to restore your smile with compassionate care and modern solutions. Whether it’s a minor chip or a more serious break, we’ll help you feel comfortable, confident, and back to normal in no time. Call us at (301) 498-5320 now for same-day booking or schedule an emergency appointment — we’re here when you need us.