Although some dental emergencies can be prevented with a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine, some issues are unavoidable. For instance, you might accidentally chip a tooth by biting into overly hard foods or using your teeth to pry open packages.
It’s natural to panic if you’ve just noticed that you damaged your enamel, so take a few deep breaths to clear your head. Then, follow these 3 suggestions to get help before further harm happens!
Step #1: Rinse Your Mouth
Your mouth is full of bacteria eagerly awaiting an opportunity to penetrate the protective outer layer of your teeth. Unfortunately, chips and cracks can increase your vulnerability to decay, additional damage, and infections.
You shouldn’t brush your injured tooth until you’ve seen your dentist, but you can rinse gently with salt water. This acts as a natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory that removes germs, dirt, blood, and other debris that might permeate the tender pulp inside your pearly white. Remember, some pieces of enamel might have remained in your mouth, so be careful not to swallow them.
Step #2: Call Your Dentist
Once you’ve located any pieces of tooth and slowed and rinsed your mouth, you need to contact your dentist and let them know what happened. They’ll likely schedule a same-day emergency appointment, but it can depend on your circumstances. Then, they might also provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive. For instance, they might ask that you refrain from eating until after your appointment.
Step #3: Address Discomfort
Depending on how your tooth was chipped, you might still feel some residual aches. If you sustained a blow to your face or another injury that hurt your grin, you can apply a cold compress to that side of your face for a temporary numbing reprieve. The cold restricts your blood vessels and slows blood flow to that area, minimizing inflammation and associated throbbing.
It’s usually also safe to take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce any aches and swelling in your teeth, gums, or jaw.
Step#4: Arrive On Time
The longer you wait to see your dentist, the more opportunity bacteria have to cause harm. It’s essential to arrive on time for your scheduled visit so you don’t have to wait any longer than necessary for relief. Once you check in, your dentist will examine your tooth and might also take X-rays to verify whether the injury extends below the surface. Then, they’ll recommend appropriate treatments, like dental bonding for minor surface issues or a dental crown for more severely broken teeth.
The sooner you contact your dentist, the faster they can provide a lifelike restoration to repair your tooth, boost your appearance, and safeguard your smile!
Meet the Author
Dr. Russell O’Connell is passionate about helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He graduated from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and, today, proudly provides a full range of services at one convenient location. He takes the time to learn about your unique concerns and goals so he can customize treatment plans to meet your needs. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. Plus, he offers same-day emergency appointments, so you don’t have to wait for relief. If you chipped a tooth, you can contact the office on the website or call (908) 832-2300.