Chipped Teeth Archives

Teeth are highly resilient and go through a lot. However, they can also crack and break when hit with enough force, and this can be an unsettling situation that may require an emergency dental visit in Jay, FL. Take a look at how to react if you accidentally sustain a chipped tooth.

Examine the Chipped Tooth Closely

Inspect the chipped area carefully to assess the extent of damage. Look for any sharp edges or exposed nerves. If there’s bleeding, rinse gently with warm water and apply gauze to stop it.

Assess for Pain or Discomfort

One of the first things a dentist will ask when you call for advice is if you are in any pain. A chipped tooth could go either way when it comes to pain; you could feel no pain at all or be in severe pain due to nerve exposure. Take note of how you are feeling, sensitivity levels around the tooth, and any throbbing or aching you feel.

Keep the Broken Piece in a Safe Place

If you can locate the broken piece of tooth, handle it with care. Place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist. This can sometimes aid in reattachment by the dentist. Avoid handling the piece of tooth as much as possible to prevent further damage.

Contact a Jay, FL Dentist for Advice Right Away

When you have a cracked tooth, you must reach out to a dentist in Jay, FL who can help immediately. In some cases, leaving the tooth in its damaged state can lead to pain or make the tooth more vulnerable to further damage. Reach out to the team at the office of Jim D. Lassiter DMD for rapid advice or to schedule an appointment.

One of the most charming features of children is their boundless energy. Children have a need for adventure and exploration, and as parents, you should encourage safe activities that help your child to grow and develop. At the same time, because of this, children are more prone to accidents and injuries such as chipped teeth. Your emergency dentist in Jay, FL can fix a chipped tooth, but here are some ways to help prevent it from happening in the first place.

Insist on the Use of Mouthguards

Mouthguards are effective against tooth injuries. Make sure your child wears one whenever engaging in contact sports or activities with a higher chance of mouth trauma.

Teach Proper Oral Hygiene

Strong, healthy teeth are less susceptible to chipping. Encourage your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.

Supervise Playtime

Some kids are more interested in roughhousing than others. If your child likes to roughhouse, keep an eye on the environment. Keeping certain items out of the area can help to prevent the kinds of bumps that can lead to a chipped tooth.

Avoid Hard Foods

Certain hard foods are more likely to chip teeth. These include certain candies and nuts, as well as ice.

Teach Good Habits

Teach your child not to use their teeth as tools. They shouldn’t be trying to open things with their teeth, prying open plastic on bottles, or pulling on things with their teeth.

Wear Protective Gear

When biking, skating, skateboarding, or enjoying certain other activities, have your child wear protective headgear, which also protects the mouth against injuries.

If, despite all these measures, your child does get a chipped tooth, contact your dentist in Jay, FL right away. Contact our office to learn more.

Uh-Oh! Have a Chipped Tooth? What to Do