Did you experience a sudden accident while biting down on something hard? Well, you might have a chipped tooth. This can happen suddenly and make you wonder what to do next. While professional dental treatment is essential, some home remedies can help you handle the pain and damage.
Read this blog to learn how to handle these situations with simple at-home remedies.
What Causes a Chipped Tooth?
You might chip your tooth due to the following situations:
- Biting hard foods such as nuts or ice.
- Sports or physical activity-related accidents.
- Grinding teeth (bruxism) at night.
- Enamel weakness due to tooth decay or other dental conditions.
No matter what the cause is, you must address it early to avoid further issues, such as infection or increased sensitivity.
Quick Home Remedies for a Chipped Tooth
Though these solutions are temporary, they can help get you through until you see a dentist in Phoenix. Here’s what you can do:
Use Dental Wax
Dental wax can cover the sharp edge that’s been poking your tongue or cheeks. It can be smoothed over the chipped tooth to form a protective barrier. You can find it in most pharmacies. It prevents injuries to the inside of your mouth..
Temporary Dental Cement
If your tooth is seriously chipped, temporary dental cement can work better than wax. Use the directions on the packaging to apply it over the damaged area. This provides a strong buffer and keeps the fragment in place until you get professional treatment.
Saltwater Rinse
Keep the area clean to prevent infection. Combine half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently swish it around your mouth for approximately 30 seconds. This saline solution will also calm any inflammation caused by the accident.
Sugarless Gum
For small chips, sugar-free gum can be an instant fix. Chew it lightly to soften, dry the chipped tooth with gauze, and place the gum over the rough edges. This works fine for temporary relief.
When Should You Visit a Dentist For Your Chipped Tooth?
Home remedies may offer temporary relief, but professional intervention is a necessity for long-term treatment. Go to your dentist if:
- The chip reveals sensitive inner layers of your tooth.
- You’re in pain and are unable to bring down the inflammation.
- The chip has affected your smile or your ability to chew.
A dentist is well-equipped to fix your chipped teeth with treatments such as dental bonding, crowns, veneers, or even root canals in extreme cases.
How To Prevent Future Chips?
You can always prevent this dental problem by being a bit more careful! Here are a few tips:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice or pens.
- Use a mouthguard while engaging in sports activities.
- Treat teeth grinding with night guards.
- Get regular dental checkups to keep your enamel strong.
Are you still stressed about your damaged teeth? By going through these easy steps, you will be able to control the pain and shield your tooth until you can seek professional care from a dentist. While temporary repairs are useful in an emergency situation, they are not replacements for dental treatment.
Are you ready to get your damaged teeth fixed? Contact us today for a consultation.
