What to Do If You Chip a Tooth
(Don’t panic — but maybe stop chewing on ice)
We’ve all been there — one bite of a hard candy, an accidental fall, or an overly enthusiastic popcorn kernel — and suddenly you feel something sharp, rough, or just... not right.
You’ve chipped a tooth.
Take a deep breath. Chipped teeth are super common, and in most cases, fixable. Here’s what you need to know and exactly what to do next.
Step 1: Stay Calm (We Mean It)
Chipping a tooth can feel alarming — especially if it happens out of nowhere — but it’s rarely a dental emergency (unless there’s pain or bleeding). Most chips can be repaired quickly and easily by your dentist.
So no, your smile is not ruined. You just need a little professional help.
Step 2: Rinse, Check, and Chill (Literally)
Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep things clean
Check for bleeding — if your gums or lip got in on the action, apply gentle pressure with gauze
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling (especially if the chip came with trauma to your face or jaw)
Bonus tip: If the chipped area feels jagged, cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue or cheek from irritation.
Step 3: Save the Piece (If You Can)
If you find the broken piece of tooth, put it in milk or a clean container of saliva and bring it to your appointment. In some cases, it might be possible to reattach it.
If it’s already down the drain or crunched into crumbs — don’t worry. We’ve got other ways to repair it.
Step 4: Call Your Dentist
Even if it seems like a small chip, it’s important to get it checked.
Why? Because a chipped tooth can:
Be more vulnerable to further damage
Lead to sensitivity or decay
Affect your bite and jaw alignment over time
We’ll take a look and recommend the best repair option based on the size and location of the chip.
Common Treatments for Chipped Teeth
Depending on the damage, here’s how we may fix it:
Dental Bonding
Perfect for small chips. We’ll use tooth-colored resin to fill and shape the area — quick, painless, and usually done in one visit.
Porcelain Veneers
For front teeth or cosmetic fixes, veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your tooth and blend in beautifully.
Dental Crown
If a larger piece broke off or the tooth is weakened, a crown can restore shape, strength, and function.
Root Canal
If the chip exposed the nerve and you're in pain, a root canal might be needed — but don’t worry, it sounds scarier than it is.
Step 5: Prevent Future Chips
Nobody’s perfect, but a few simple habits can help you avoid a repeat:
Skip chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
Keep up with regular dental checkups to catch small problems early
And maybe… don’t open packages with your teeth (we’re not judging, just saying)
Final Thought: A Chipped Tooth Isn’t the End of the World
It’s just a bump in the road — and we’re here to help smooth it out.
If you’ve chipped a tooth (or think you might have):
📞 Give us a call or schedule your appointment online.
We’ll fix it up, restore your smile, and get you back to crunching (carefully) in no time.