Chipped and broken teeth are among the most common issues we see in patients at our Roseville dental practice. Although your teeth are covered by some of the strongest minerals in the body, they do have their limits. Biting down on hard or crunchy food items can often cause a tooth to chip or break completely. It’s important to attend to a chipped tooth as promptly as possible. Not only does it mar the beauty of your smile, it can also lead to further tooth damage and the possible loss of the entire tooth.

So, at the first sign that you have chipped a tooth, contact our office for an appointment at your earliest convenience. Then do the following things in the meantime in order to help minimize the damage and discomfort you are experiencing.

(1) Rinse out your mouth with a solution of warm water mixed with half a teaspoon of salt in order to ensure that no broken pieces remain that can irritate your gums or tongue. If you are experiencing pain, take an over the counter pain reliever containing acetaminophen.

(2) If the chip causes a jagged or sharp edge, invest in some sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin from the drugstore. Use either of these substances to form a temporary covering over the break to prevent further mouth irritation.

(3) Switch your dietary choices to soft or liquid foods until the chipped tooth has been repaired. Also avoid biting down or putting pressure on the tooth to avoid further damage until you seek our professional help in treating the damaged tooth.

Depending upon the severity of the break, we can usually repair the damage done with a special filling, or use a composite resin called bonding that matches the color of your teeth so that the original break is no longer noticeable. Although a chipped or broken tooth may be upsetting, remember that Sunrise Family Dentistry is always here to provide you with caring emergency services.