What to Do If You Chip Your Tooth

Chipping a tooth can be rough for anyone. Not only might you be in pain, but now you have to worry about whether your tooth is going to survive. While it might be hard at first, the best thing for both your oral and mental health is to spring into action. Once you know you’ve done what you can do, you can breathe a little easier.

Protect Your Mouth

If you chip a tooth in Jacksonville, FL, it starts with rinsing out your mouth so you can get rid of any tooth debris. If you’re bleeding, a warm water rinse might help you prevent infection. You should also apply pressure with a cloth or pad to help stop the bleeding. Finally, use cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Do You Need Professional Help If You Chip a Tooth?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. If you have a small chip in your tooth, you might feel comfortable just waiting to see if it gets any worse. If it’s a larger chip that’s not causing any oral pain, you might cover it with dental wax so the jagged edges of the tooth don’t hurt your cheeks or lips.

While these are understandable reactions, though, the reality is that a chipped tooth is now more vulnerable to damage. Avoiding hard or chewy foods can certainly reduce your odds that it will get worse, but you shouldn’t take chances. Having the tooth extracted is not only going to be an extra expense, it can have irreparable effects on the structural integrity of your teeth and gums. You might end up needing to get an implant for a tooth that could have otherwise been saved.

Visit an Emergency Dentist in Jacksonville, FL

If you’ve chipped a tooth and don’t want to wait to see a professional, you can find emergency dentists in Jacksonville, FL. Our team understands that dental issues can pop up at any time and that urgent care and emergency rooms are unlikely to have the tools or the expertise to treat it. If you want to have the best chance of saving a tooth, contact us when it happens, so let us show you what we can do.