Chipped Tooth - An overview
                     Understanding 
Chipped Tooth
Introduction 
to Chipped 
Tooth
A chipped tooth occurs when a piece of the tooth enamel 
breaks off, which can result from trauma, biting hard foods, or 
other dental issues. Common causes include physical injuries, 
hard object impacts, tooth decay, teeth grinding, and sudden 
temperature changes affecting the enamel's integrity.
Causes of a Chipped Tooth
Trauma to the Mouth Biting Hard Objects Tooth Decay and Grinding
Physical injuries, often from 
Cavities weaken teeth, making 
accidents or sports, are a Hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard 
them more susceptible to chips. 
primary cause of chipped teeth. candies can increase the risk of 
Additionally, bruxism or teeth 
Wearing mouthguards can chipping teeth. Avoiding these 
grinding can erode enamel over 
significantly reduce these foods is crucial for dental health.
time, leading to damage.
incidents.
Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth
Sharp Edges Chipped teeth may have sharp or rough edges that can cause 
discomfort or irritation to the tongue and cheeks.
Increased Sensitivity Patients often experience heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet 
foods, due to exposure of the dentin beneath the enamel.
Visible Damage There may be noticeable breaks or missing parts of the tooth, making it 
visibly flawed and potentially unsightly.
Swollen Gums The gums surrounding the chipped tooth can appear swollen or tender, 
indicating irritation or potential infection.
Severity Levels of Chipped Tooth
Moderate and Severe 
Minor Chips Chips
● Affect only the enamel layer of the tooth. ● Moderate chips extend deeper, reaching 
the dentin layer and exposing nerves, 
● Usually painless and primarily cosmetic issues. causing sensitivity.
● If ignored, may lead to further damage over ● Severe chips may expose the pulp, leading 
time. to significant pain, infection, or abscess 
● Minor chips can be treated with dental bonding formation.
for restoration. ● Moderate chips require prompt dental care 
to prevent infection.
● Severe chips often necessitate more 
invasive treatments like root canals or 
crowns.
Immediate Steps for Chipped Tooth
Apply a Cover Seek 
Rinse the Cold Sharp Dental 
Area Compress Edges Care
Rinse your mouth gently with If there is swelling or To protect your tongue and Contact a dentist as soon as 
warm water to clean the discomfort, apply a cold the inside of your mouth possible to assess the 
chipped area and remove compress to the outside of from sharp edges of the damage and recommend 
any debris. This helps your mouth or cheek for 15- chipped tooth, use dental appropriate treatment. 
prevent infection and keeps 20 minutes. This helps wax or sugar-free gum to Prompt care is crucial to 
the affected area clean. reduce swelling and numbs cover the area until you can prevent further 
the pain. see a dentist. complications.
Clean mouth Reduced swelling Protection from cuts Professional assessment
Reduced risk of infection Relief from discomfort Temporary relief from Treatment plan
irritation
Treatment Options Available
Dental Bonding Veneers
Ideal for minor chips, dental bonding involves Used for moderate chips, veneers are thin 
applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover 
area, effectively restoring the tooth's the front surface of the tooth, enhancing 
appearance. aesthetics and providing protection.
Crowns Root Canal
For severely damaged teeth, crowns encase the Necessary when the chip exposes the pulp or 
entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and nerves, a root canal removes infected tissue 
function while providing strength and support. and seals the tooth, preventing further 
complications.
Preventing Chipped Tooth
Avoid Hard Foods Wear a Mouthguard Maintain Oral Hygiene
Steer clear of chewing hard Use a mouthguard during sports Regular brushing and flossing 
items like ice, nuts, and hard or high-impact activities to help keep teeth strong and 
candies to reduce the risk of protect your teeth from trauma healthy, lowering the chances of 
damaging your enamel. and injury. decay and fractures.
When to See 
a Dentist
• Persistent pain or sensitivity in the affected tooth, 
indicating potential nerve exposure or infection.
• Swelling around the tooth or gums, which may signify 
an ongoing infection or inflammation.
• Visible cracks or jagged edges on the tooth, 
suggesting significant damage that requires 
professional repair.
• Difficulty chewing or biting, indicating that the 
chipped tooth may be affecting functionality and 
causing discomfort.
Thank You!
https://www.suryadentalcare.com/
https://twitter.com/CareSurya
https://www.facebook.com/suryadentaltrichy
https://www.instagram.com/suryadentalsenthil/