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Enamel is the hardest substance in your body. It’s the hard outer layer of your tooth that protects the softer dentin and pulp underneath. Although it is incredibly strong, accidents can happen. Chipped teeth are a leading cause of dental emergencies annually. However, is visiting a dentist really necessary? Yes! Your enamel doesn’t regenerate. Here’s why you need to see a dentist right away, even if you aren’t having any pain.
A Chipped Tooth is a Dental Emergency
Your enamel will not grow back. Once it has been lost, it is gone for good, which is why you need to visit an emergency dentist. Minor chips or fractures may not seem alarming, but your tooth will be at risk of additional damage. As your tooth’s defense system, any loss of enamel will leave it vulnerable to bacteria, infections, or additional breaks.
If your tooth has a significant chip or you are having pain, contact your emergency dentist for an appointment. If the break is small and you aren’t having any discomfort, you can wait a day or two to see your dentist, but don’t delay treatment for too long. While you wait for your visit, here are a few tips to make a stressful situation easier:
- Avoid hot, cold, or hard foods.
- Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head, which can cause a throbbing toothache.
- Take an OTC pain reliever.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Maintain your oral hygiene routine.
- Eat softer foods.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater.
How to Prevent Chipped Teeth
Although you may never expect a dental emergency to happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans needs urgent attention from a dentist every year. A chipped tooth is a common reason people end up in the dental chair. While you can’t stop all accidents from occurring, you can take several precautionary measures to safeguard your smile:
- Commit to a solid home oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
- Visit your dentist twice per year for a cleaning and checkup.
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottle caps or packaging.
- Don’t chew on inedible objects, like your fingernails or pens.
- Ask your dentist for a nightguard if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
- Avoid hard foods.
If you chip a tooth despite your precautions, contact your dentist. They’ll get you into the office quickly, address any pain, and create a personalized treatment plan to restore a healthy, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Earl L. Chambers III
Dr. Chambers earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and pursues higher education regularly to provide state-of-the-art services. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he can treat the most complex oral health issues. If you need an emergency dentist, contact our office.