Did you know that 7% of Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth by the age of 17?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study also found that by the age of 50, Americans lose an average of 12 teeth.

Keep reading to find out what to do when you chip a tooth and how you can prevent tooth loss or decay.

What to Do When You Chip a Tooth

The first thing you need to do when you chip a tooth is to let a dentist like one from Orange County Oral Surgery & Periodontics clinic evaluate your situation. A chipped tooth can cause a lot of problems no matter where the tooth is located, so it is imperative you seek professional help.

1. Schedule an Appointment

Your dentist will decide what the best treatment plan is for you and your situation. Make sure you call your dentist or schedule an appointment online. A chipped tooth will need an immediate appointment, so make sure you book one that is within the next few days at the latest.

2. Look After Your Tooth

Collect the broken pieces of the tooth and clean them well. Then place them in a container, so you can take them with you to the dentist.

If the chipped molar or tooth is sharp, you should cover it with a piece of dental wax or sugarless gum. This will help to protect your tooth and your mouth from further damage.

You should also rinse your tooth with warm water. This will help to remove any dirt or debris, that might be in your mouth if, for example, you chipped your tooth because you fell over.

If you chipped your tooth because of injury, you might also want to apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

3. Don’t Panic and Avoid Hot or Cold Foods

“Help I’ve chipped my tooth and can’t get a dentist appointment right away, what do I do?” If this sounds familiar the best thing to do is not to panic.

If you can’t get an immediate dentist appointment, you should avoid eating really hot or cold food. These types of foods can cause sensitivity in your mouth.

You should also opt for softer types of foods and try to avoid chewing with the broken tooth.

4. Find Pain Relief

What to do if you chip a tooth and it is really sensitive or painful? If your tooth is very painful or sensitive, you might want to ask your dentist what over-the-counter pain relief is best for you when you ring them to schedule an appointment. This is a particularly good idea if you can’t get an appointment for a few days.

What Will a Dentist Do?

Your dentist will assess the tooth and work out how bad the chip is. A slight chip in the enamel might only need to be smoothed over, while a more extensive chip might need a dental filling or crown fitted.

Find out more about your possible tooth replacement options. However, your dentist will consider your tooth and what the best course of treatment is for you.

Fix Your Chipped Tooth Now

A chipped tooth can look unsightly, cause pain, and damage your teeth and mouth if you don’t get it fixed. That’s why it is very important to fix a chipped tooth as soon as possible. Follow our guide on what to do when you chip a tooth and get it fixed sooner.

If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure you check out some of our other articles.