How to Handle a Chipped Tooth at Home
Chipping a tooth can be scary, but most chips are manageable if you act quickly. Use these simple steps to protect the area, reduce pain, and avoid making the damage worse. Then, book a dental visit to check the extent of the injury and plan a repair that fits your mouth and your life.
What should I do right after chipping a tooth?
Rinse gently with warm water, press gauze on bleeding, find and save the fragment in milk or saliva, cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum, avoid chewing on that side, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and call a dentist.
Step-by-step first aid at home
1) Rinse and inspect
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Look in a mirror or use your phone’s flashlight to see where the chip is and whether any piece is missing.
2) Control bleeding
If the gum or lip is bleeding, place clean gauze and apply gentle pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. A cold compress on the cheek can help with swelling.
3) Save the broken piece
If you can find the fragment, place it in a small container of milk or saliva. Bring it to your appointment. In some cases, your dentist can reattach it or use it as a guide for a perfect colour and shape match.
4) Protect your mouth
Cover any sharp edge with dental wax or sugarless gum. This protects your tongue and cheeks from cuts. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the chipped side.
5) Ease discomfort safely
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the label. Do not place aspirin on the gum or tooth. If sensitivity is strong, avoid very hot, very cold, or very sweet foods and drinks until you see your dentist.
Want a broader plan for urgent dental issues? Check this helpful overview of emergencies: a step-by-step guide to emergency dental care in Canada.
What not to do
Do not try to file the tooth yourself. Do not glue a fragment back on. Avoid biting hard foods (ice, nuts, hard candy). Skip whitening strips or charcoal pastes until a dentist checks the tooth. If a brace wire or retainer is involved, do not bend it; call your dentist or orthodontist.
When to see a dentist
Book an appointment as soon as you can, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Go sooner if you have any of the following:
- Severe pain or a large piece missing
- Loose tooth, deep crack, or a tooth that feels “high” when you bite
- Pink or red spot in the centre (possible pulp exposure)
- Swelling, fever, bad taste, or pus (possible infection)
If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, this guide can help you decide: what to do for common dental emergencies.
If you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist as soon as possible. — Canadian Dental Association
Before your appointment: quick prep
Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on the tooth. Pack your tooth fragment in milk or saliva and bring it with your insurance card and medication list. If you are heading straight from work or school, a small “dental kit” (wax, gauze, pain reliever) can help. Learn more about staying ready on the go in what to do before you reach the clinic.
How dentists fix a chipped tooth
Your treatment depends on how deep the chip is and where it sits:
- Smooth and polish: For tiny, painless enamel chips, your dentist may simply smooth the edge.
- Bonding: Tooth-coloured resin is shaped and hardened to rebuild the missing part. It’s quick, cost-effective, and natural-looking.
- Veneer: A custom porcelain shell covers the front of a front tooth for larger cosmetic fixes.
- Crown: A cap restores strength and shape when a big portion is missing or the tooth is cracked.
- Root canal: Needed if the nerve (pulp) is injured or infected. A crown often follows for protection.
Why follow-up care should be personalized
A chip is sometimes a warning sign. The best results come from a plan that looks at your whole mouth and your daily habits. Your dentist may address:
- Grinding or clenching (bruxism): Night guards protect against future chips and cracks and ease jaw strain.
- Enamel strength: Fluoride varnish, high-fluoride toothpaste, or remineralizing products may reduce sensitivity and future wear.
- Bite and alignment: Minor bite adjustments or orthodontic planning can reduce stress on fragile areas.
- Nutrition and dry mouth: Limiting acidic and ultra-sticky foods, staying hydrated, and managing dry mouth (xerostomia) helps protect enamel.
- Gum health: Healthy gums support teeth under pressure. Treating gingivitis or periodontitis lowers the chance of repeat problems.
This tailored approach improves outcomes, makes home care easier to follow, and helps prevent repeat chips.
Costs and coverage in Canada (typical ranges)
Prices vary by province, clinic, and the size of the chip, but these ballpark estimates can help you plan:
- Smoothing/polish: often included in a short emergency visit
- Bonding: roughly $150–$400+ per tooth
- Veneer: about $800–$1,500+ per tooth
- Crown: about $1,000–$2,000+ per tooth
- Custom night guard: about $300–$700
Many plans cover part of accident-related repair. Keep your receipts and any accident details for claims.
Prevention tips after a chipped tooth
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench.
- Use a soft-bristled brush, gentle pressure, and fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit very hard foods and avoid chewing ice.
- Rinse with water after acidic drinks; wait 30–60 minutes before brushing.
- Keep regular cleanings and exams so small issues are found early.
Conclusion
Handle the chip at home with simple first aid. Then see your dentist to confirm how serious it is and to map out the right fix. A personalized plan that tackles causes like grinding, enamel wear, or gum issues protects your repair and helps prevent the next chip.
FAQ
Can I eat after chipping a tooth?
Yes, but choose soft foods and chew on the other side until a dentist assesses the tooth. Avoid very hot, very cold, sticky, or hard foods that could worsen the chip or trigger pain.
Can I file or sand the sharp edge myself?
No. Filing can expose sensitive layers and make repairs harder. Cover the edge with dental wax or sugarless gum and see a dentist instead.
Can dentists reattach the broken piece?
Sometimes. If the fragment is clean and intact, your dentist may bond it back. If not, bonding material, a veneer, or a crown can rebuild the shape and strength with a natural look.
How quickly should I see a dentist?
Aim for 24–48 hours, or sooner if you have severe pain, swelling, a deep crack, or a loose tooth. A knocked-out tooth is different and needs urgent care within 30–60 minutes.
Which pain relievers are safe?
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Follow the label and your pharmacist’s advice. Do not place aspirin on the gum or tooth. Children should never take aspirin.
Will insurance cover the repair?
Many plans cover part of accident-related bonding, crowns, or veneers. Coverage varies by plan and province. Your dental office can submit a pre-authorization so you know your share before treatment.
For more emergency-readiness tips and action steps, read a step-by-step guide to emergency dental care in Canada, check what to do for common dental emergencies, and learn what to do before you reach the clinic.
