Chipped teeth are extremely common, and thankfully, there are ways to fix a chipped tooth at home … if you have no other options.
Here are some self-help ideas for a DIY fix.
Fix a Chipped Tooth: The DIY Option
While most people would prefer not to perform DIY dentistry, we are aware that life happens. And this may be your go-to until you are able to settle into your dentist’s chair and let them work their magic.
Step #1
The first step is to determine the severity of your chipped tooth. If it’s a small chip, you may be able to make a temporary fix at home by using products like dental glue from your nearest pharmacy. However, if the chip is bigger than a quarter-inch in size, then you will need to visit your dentist for more permanent solutions.
It’s most common to chip or break a lower molar, but really, any tooth can be damaged. Something to bear in mind is that some cracks may be more extensive than they appear, perhaps running right down into the pulp chamber. They may be mistaken for sensitive teeth or cavities when, in fact, they’ve suffered deeper damage and require treatment.
Healthline advises, “If you break or chip a tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water right away to clean it. Apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If you can find the piece of the broken tooth, wrap it in wet gauze and bring it with you to the dentist.”
Step #2
If the chipped tooth is fixable at home, your next step should be to gather all of the necessary products.
You will need a dental adhesive product or repair kit. You will also need a toothbrush, water and Q-tips. Chat with your pharmacist about which product is right for you, and follow the instructions carefully.
Once you have all of the necessary products, follow these simple steps:
- Brush your teeth gently to remove any debris or plaque that may be in the area where the chip is located
- Dip the toothbrush or the applicator provided into some water and apply the adhesive onto the tooth
- Wait for the adhesive to dry completely (this may take a few minutes)
- If needed, use a Q-tip to fix any areas that do not look smooth
It’s important to note that dental glue and emergency kits provide temporary fixes and they will need to be replaced every few months. If you have a more severe chip, your dentist will likely fix it with dental bonding or a dental filling.
Additionally, dental wax can cover a jagged edge or a tiny chip in your tooth. A layer of dental wax prevents sharp objects from cutting your tongue or damaging your mouth. Again, this is a temporary fix until you can get an appointment with your dentist.
Step #3
How does your mouth feel? If there is pain or swelling, then you may find that what looks like a small chip is a bigger problem than you initially thought.
You might think that a small crack or chip is not anything to worry about, but it can lead to much more serious dental problems in the long run. A professional will be able to assess how severe your injury was and what type of treatment may best suit you both physically and financially based on their findings.
To prevent chipping your teeth, try to avoid biting down on hard objects like ice cubes or candy. Be careful when playing contact sports or even when chewing on the end of your pen! Also, make sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. By following these simple steps, you can fix a chipped tooth and – most importantly – prevent it from happening again.
Is It Time to See Your Dentist?
In some circumstances, untreated tooth damage could lead to a root canal. This is because the most common teeth that are damaged have pointy cusps and grind into their grooves at the top of one’s mouth—in other words: molars!
Deep cracks can also run down from where you would find nerves or blood vessels inside our pulp chambers if they had been injured by an accident; these areas include both connective tissue as well, so there’s no telling what might happen without prompt treatment at your dental clinic.
Some cracks and chips hide on the inside of the tooth or below where gum tissue meets bone, which makes them hard to see without an X-ray or examination. Some symptoms that appear like cavities might actually be related to periodontal disease; others will just cause pain when touched so you’ll need treatment by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Choosing to fix a chipped tooth at home may be fine for a small, cosmetic chip. But if you’re concerned about the severity of the injury and prefer not to risk the long-term consequences of dental decay or damage, then please reach out to us.