The outermost layer of the tooth is called the enamel. It’s very strong, but it can still sustain damage. Depending on the type of injury, or condition of your teeth, they can chip or even crack. It’s very important to take care of your teeth because a weak tooth is more likely to chip. 

A chipped tooth is one of the most common dental injuries that we encounter here at Metro Dental Care. Here we will explain what you can do to manage the pain until you are able to visit us at the office. 

Causes of a chipped tooth

Here are some of the common causes of chipped teeth:

• Habits. Biting down on hard objects or food 
• Trauma. Accidents or trauma on the face or mouth 
• Cavities. Cavities weaken the tooth and increase your risk of developing chips or cracks in your teeth.
• Teeth grinding. Excessive teeth grinding or clenching can also make you more vulnerable to chipped teeth.
• Poor hygiene. Poor oral hygiene habits can weaken the enamel and cause teeth to chip. 

Types of chipped teeth

Chipped tooth issues can be characterized by their size or the extent of the damage.

• Small chips. These chips are very small and may not come with pain or discomfort. They also don’t require indepth treatment. It is still best to let your dentist know so they can polish or smooth out the rough surface and prevent issues from arising later. 
• Medium chips. These are chips that cause minor damage to the tooth. They can still be fixed with the help of a filling, onlay, or a crown. Your dentist may also be able to reattach the piece of the chipped tooth. The goal is to restore the appearance and function of the tooth and prevent it from causing irritation or infection.
• Large chips. For major cases of chipped teeth, the damage is large enough to affect the nerves of the tooth. Your dentist is likely to recommend a root canal and a crown to fix them.

Why does a chipped tooth hurt?

A chipped tooth can cause pain and discomfort if it’s large enough to reach and expose the nerves. Exposed nerves can cause increased sensitivity when you chew or consume very cold or hot food or beverage.

If the chip leaves a sharp, jagged edge, it may also cause injuries to your tongue. It might not be painful, but it’s still best to see your dentist as soon as possible to get it fixed.

Relief for chipped tooth pain

If you’re unable to see your dentist the same day, here are some tips to manage the pain temporarily:

• Rinse your mouth. Keep your mouth clean and keep debris from building up around the damaged tooth. Rinse with warm or plain water but avoid swishing or sucking too hard.
• Apply a cold compress. Reduce swelling by holding an ice pack against the cheek where the chipped tooth is. You may do so in 15-minute intervals and as often as you need.
• Control bleeding. If the area is bleeding, apply gauze and put gentle pressure on it. Be sure to change the gauze once it starts to become soiled.
• Eat soft food. Skip hard, crunchy, and chewy food until your tooth gets treated. Watch out as well for too hot or cold food and beverages.
• Avoid using the area. Let the area rest and use the other side of your mouth for chewing.
• Take pain medication. Taking over-the-counter painkillers can help you manage discomfort. Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommended dosage.

See your dentist to get chipped tooth treated

It is very important to get a chipped tooth examined and treated even if you’re not feeling discomfort or pain. Your dentist will make sure the chip will not lead to any serious problems in the future. If you’re looking for a new dentist or would like to have a chipped tooth looked at, contact us today at (587) 355-2524.