What should I do if I chip my tooth?

• Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to clean the area.
• Save any pieces. Keep them in a clean container and bring them with you.
• Reduce swelling. Hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek.
• Cover sharp edges. A piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax can protect your tongue and cheek.
• Ease soreness. Over-the-counter pain relief, taken as the label directs, can help.
• Chew on the other side. Avoid biting down on the chipped tooth.
• Call us. Let us know what happened so we can see you.

A small chip with no pain can usually be seen at a regular appointment, as long as it is soon. A larger break, ongoing pain, or a pink or red spot in the center of the tooth means the inner tooth may be exposed, and it should be seen quickly. If a tooth has been knocked out completely, see our emergency dentist page right away.

The repair depends on the size and location of the chip:

• Smoothing. A tiny chip can often be polished smooth.
• Bonding. Tooth-colored material is shaped to rebuild the missing part.
• A veneer. A thin shell can cover a larger chip on a front tooth.
• A crown. A cap protects a tooth that has lost a large piece.
• A root canal. If the break reaches the inner tooth, treatment may be needed to save it. Read Do I need a root canal?

A chip weakens the tooth, and a small crack can spread over time. Rough edges can also trap bacteria and irritate your tongue or cheek. Fixing it early usually means a simpler repair.

• Wear a mouthguard for sports.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and pens.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask us whether a night guard could help.