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A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do If You Chipped a Tooth

April 13, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — truecare @ 7:32 pm
woman with hand over mouth

It happened when you least expected it to. While playing volleyball with your friends, you suddenly get smacked in the face with the ball. If you chipped a tooth, you may start panicking because you’re unsure of what to do. Rest assured – it’s a situation that can happen to anyone, regardless of their oral health. Luckily, we’re here to help you handle it with ease. Read on to learn what steps you should take to manage the pain and avoid permanent damage.  

Rinse Your Mouth

First things first, you should rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away any bacteria, blood, and dirt. If any part of the tooth is still in your mouth, it should go away with a quick rinse. It’ll keep you from swallowing the lingering shards or damaging other teeth by accidentally biting down on them.

Stop the Bleeding

Trauma to the mouth can sometimes cause bleeding. In that case, you should apply pressure to the area with a clean towel or gauze. It’ll help stop the bleeding and lower the risk of swallowing excess blood. However, avoid scrubbing the area due to the potential for irritation, leading to pain and possibly even more bleeding. If you’re bleeding uncontrollably, call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency room right away.

Preserve Your Tooth

Did your entire tooth separate from your mouth? If so, find it as quickly as possible and store it in milk or saline solution. Time is of the essence – the faster you can get to your dentist, the better chance you have of saving the tooth. If your tooth is loose but still in its socket, try to keep it there until you reach your dentist.

Apply a Cold Compress

The cold constricts the blood vessels and slows blood flow to that part of the mouth. Using a cold compress on the injured area can help alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and minimize inflammation. You can use an ice pack or a Ziplock bag filled with ice and wrapped with a towel.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

If you’re in pain, take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease your discomfort while you wait to see your dentist. It’s best to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can also help reduce inflammation. Some common options include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.

Visit Your Dentist

Contact your dentist in Mesquite and make an emergency appointment immediately after chipping or breaking a tooth. Even the tiniest fracture can put your tooth at risk of infection or further damage. Don’t allow your injury to go untreated just because you’re not in any pain. A dentist needs to assess the tooth to ensure it’s not putting your health in danger.

Do you have a chipped tooth? Make sure you see your dentist as soon as possible! They’ll address the problem and get your smile back on the right track in no time.

About the Practice

At TrueCare Dentistry, we are committed to providing comprehensive, exceptional, state-of-the-art dental services for the entire family. From standard checkups to complex restorative treatments, we’ve got everything you need to maintain a healthy smile for life. If you or a loved one chipped a tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We offer same-day appointments to give you the prompt relief you deserve. Visit our website or call (469) 399-7288 to schedule your visit today!

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