The outermost layer of the tooth, enamel, is strong but can be damaged. The extent of damage to a chipped or cracked tooth depends on the type of injury and tooth condition. Obviously, the weaker the tooth, the greater the damage.

A chipped tooth is one of the most common dental injuries that we encounter here at Chinook Village Dental. In this post, we talk about what can cause teeth to chip, the degrees of damage, associated pain, and pain management until you get to the dental office.

Causes of a chipped tooth
Here are some of the common causes of chipped teeth:

• Habits. Biting down on hard objects or food.
• Trauma. Accidents or trauma to the face or mouth.
• Cavities. Tooth decay weakens the enamel, increasing the potential for chipping.
• Teeth grinding. Excessive wear and tear compromises the health of your teeth.
• Poor hygiene. Poor oral hygiene habits leading to cavities weakens the enamel and increases the potential for chipping.

Types of chipped teeth
Chipped tooth issues are categorized by their size and extent of the damage.

• Small chips. These chips are very small and may not present with pain or discomfort. They also don’t require extensive treatment. However, it’s best to let your dentist know so they can polish or smooth out the surface to prevent future issues.
• Medium chips. These are chips that cause minor damage to the tooth. They can be fixed with a filling, on lay, or crown. Your dentist may also be able to reattach the chipped piece. The goal is to restore the appearance and function of the tooth and prevent it from causing irritation or infection.
• Large chips. For major cases of chipped teeth, the damage is large enough to affect the nerves of the tooth. Your dentist is likely to recommend a root canal and a crown to fix them.

Why does a chipped tooth hurt?
A chipped tooth can cause pain and discomfort if it’s large enough to reach and expose the nerves. Exposed nerves can cause increased sensitivity when you eat or drink anything very cold or hot.

A chip with a sharp, jagged edge may cause injuries to your tongue. It might not be painful, but it’s still best to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent potential pain or damage to your tongue.

Pain relief for chipped tooth
If you’re unable to see your dentist the same day, here are some tips to manage the pain temporarily:

• Rinse your mouth. Keep your mouth clean and keep debris from building up around the damaged tooth. Rinse with warm, plain water but avoid swishing vigorously.
• Apply a cold compress. Reduce swelling by holding an ice pack against the outer cheek adjacent to the chipped tooth. Apply the ice pack in 15-minute intervals as often as you need.
• Control bleeding. If the area is bleeding, apply gauze with gentle pressure. Be sure to change the gauze once it gets soaked with blood.
• Select appropriate food and drink. Avoid food and beverages that are either too hot or too cold and don’t eat anything that’s hard, crunchy, and chewy until your tooth gets treated.
• Avoid the area. Use the other side of your mouth for chewing.
• Take pain medication. Taking over-the-counter painkillers can help you manage discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.

See your dentist in Chinook to treat your chipped tooth
A chipped tooth is a common dental injury. It can be fixed either by reattaching the broken piece or applying onlays or fillings.

It’s crucial to get it examined and treated even if you’re not feeling discomfort or intense pain. This keepsthe issue from worsening and protectsyour mouth against potential damage.

If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Chinook area or would like to have a chipped tooth assessed, contact us today at (587) 328-1298.

We’re open on Sundays and some evenings, and we do our best to get you in on the same day.

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