Chewing hard food or using your teeth to open something could chip a tooth. Having a chipped tooth can be painful and cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile.
(Pixabay / renatalferro)
The tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. Still, its strength has limits. It is not immune from breakage or chipping, especially if the tooth has already been weakened by decay.
The moment you discover that you have a chipped or broken tooth, visit a specialist to have it repaired. Delaying your dental visit could cause further damage to your tooth. It could also cause infection, which could result in tooth loss.
While waiting for your dental appointment, take good care of your damaged tooth. If you are experiencing pain, take an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen. Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water could help prevent infection. There are cases when the chipped tooth may leave a jagged or sharp edge, cutting your tongue or the inside part of your lip or cheek. Cover the rough edge with wax to prevent harm. Avoid biting and chewing food with the compromised tooth.
Your treatment will depend on the severity of the damage. If a very small piece of enamel is chipped, your dentist can fix it in just one office visit, usually with a dental filling. If the tooth is in the front and is visible when you talk or smile, the dentist may opt for a bonding procedure to fix it. Bonding uses a composite resin that has the same color as your original teeth. Ultraviolet light will be applied to the bond to harden it. After bonding, there will be no noticeable sign that the tooth was broken or chipped.
It is very important to be discerning when eating hard or sticky items and to avoid using your teeth as a tool for opening something. If you are a resident of Ogden, West Haven or surrounding cities and have a chipped tooth, visit a specialist in family dentistry in Weber County for help.