"I've chipped my tooth" - What to do if you chip a tooth

Accidents happen! Whether you've bitten into something a little too hard, took a tumble, or noticed a small chip appear without quite knowing how it happened. A chipped tooth can be surprising and sometimes uncomfortable, but the good news is that it’s a very common issue and can usually be repaired quickly and effectively.

Here at Lady Bay Dental Care, we want to guide you through what to do next, so you can protect your tooth and feel confident about your smile again.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Chipped teeth vary in severity. Some chips are tiny and only affect the enamel, while others expose the inner part of the tooth and may be more sensitive. If there is pain, try to note whether it’s mild or sharp. If you can find the piece of tooth, keep it safe as occasionally, it may be usable.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse with warm water to clean the area. This helps reduce bacteria and lowers the risk of irritation or infection. If there is any bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze against the area for a few minutes.

3. Protect the Tooth

If the tooth has a rough or jagged edge, you can place a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax over it to prevent it from catching on your tongue or cheek. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you’ve seen a dentist.

4. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

To prevent further damage or discomfort:

• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods

• Avoid hard foods (nuts, crusty bread, boiled sweets)

• Do not chew on pens, fingernails, or ice (even on a good day!)

• If the tooth is sensitive, try to stick to soft foods.

5. Call Us as Soon as Possible

Even if the chip seems minor, it’s important to have the tooth checked. A small chip can worsen over time or leave the tooth more vulnerable to decay. At Lady Bay Dental Care, we offer a range of treatments depending on the size and location of the chip:

Type of Chip	Possible Treatment	What It Involves
Minor enamel chip	Composite bonding	We shape a tooth-coloured resin to restore the tooth so it looks and feels like new.
Larger chip	Dental veneer or crown	A custom-made covering helps strengthen and restore appearance.
Painful chip exposing the nerve	Root canal & crown	This protects the tooth long-term and relieves the nerve discomfort.

We’ll examine the tooth, discuss your options and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

6. Prevention for the Future

While not all accidents can be avoided, there are some helpful habits to reduce the risk:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports

• Keep your teeth away from hard objects (including popcorn kernels!)

• Don’t ignore grinding or clenching, ask us about night guards

We’re Here to Help

If you’ve chipped a tooth, don’t hesitate to give us a ring. We’re friendly, calm, and experienced in restoring both comfort and confidence.

Call Lady Bay Dental Care on 01159821000 - Your smile is in safe hands.

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