I Chipped My Tooth, What Should I do? Friendly First Aid Tips from Arcadia Medi-Dental Group

Arcadia Medi-Dental Group
Aug 2
3 min read

Updated: Aug 6

Life happens. One moment you're enjoying a crunchy snack or playing sports with friends, and the next—you’ve chipped a tooth. It can be a scary moment, but don’t worry. You're not alone, and help is close by.

At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group in Arcadia, CA, we’re here to guide you through what to do next. This blog will walk you through:

First aid steps you can take right away
When to call the dentist
How we treat chipped teeth at our office
Tips to prevent future injuries

We’re committed to helping you feel better, fast—with gentle care and expert solutions.

First Aid: What to Do Right After You Chip a Tooth

If you've just chipped a tooth, follow these gentle, effective first-aid tips:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Take a breath. Chipped teeth are common and treatable. Most cases are not serious, especially when addressed early.

2. Rinse Your Mouth Gently

Use warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. Be gentle and avoid swishing too forcefully.

3. Control Any Bleeding

If the gum or lip is bleeding, apply light pressure with clean gauze or a tissue. Most small chips don’t bleed, but soft tissue may be irritated.

4. Save the Tooth Fragment (If You Can)

If you find the broken piece, place it in a clean container with milk, saline, or your own saliva. It might be possible to reattach it. If you cannot find the fragment, don't worry. Your dentist will be able to build up your tooth using tooth-colored filling.

If your tooth is significantly damaged with exposed nerves, a root canal therapy and a crown might be necessary. A crown is a type of dental restoration that completely covers or encloses a tooth or dental implant. It is designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength.

5. Protect the Area

If the chipped tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with dental wax, a sugar-free gum piece, or a small piece of gauze to protect your cheek or tongue.

6. Use Cold Compress for Swelling

Apply an ice pack or cold compress on the cheek near the injured area. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort.

7. Avoid Hard Foods and Hot/Cold Drinks

Until you're treated, eat soft foods and avoid temperature extremes. Exposed dentin can be sensitive to hot or cold.

8. Call An Emergency Care Dentist Right Away

Even small chips can lead to sensitivity, decay, or cracks. Our team is here to help—call us at (626) 515-8090 for emergency dental care in Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley.

You may also call (626) 821-9970 to reach our sister location, 21 Dental Group, just 10 minutes away and located beside Arcadia High School.

What Causes a Chipped Tooth?

A chipped tooth can happen in many everyday situations:

Biting down on something hard (ice, bones, popcorn kernels)
Accidental falls
Sports injuries or physical contact
Using teeth as tools (opening packages, holding objects)
Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)

Even if the chip is small or doesn’t hurt right away, it’s important to get it checked—especially to avoid pain or infection later.

How We Treat Chipped Teeth at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group

Every smile is different, so we tailor our treatment based on how much of the tooth is affected:

Small Chips

We can often smooth the edges or use tooth-colored bonding to repair minor damage quickly and painlessly.

Moderate Chips

If a piece of enamel is missing or the tooth is sensitive, we may recommend:

Dental bonding
A tooth-colored filling
A porcelain veneer for front teeth

Severe Chips or Cracks

If the tooth is cracked deeply or the nerve is exposed, we may need to:

Perform a root canal to relieve pain
Place a custom crown to protect the tooth long-term

In rare cases, if the tooth is too damaged to save, we’ll discuss replacement options like a dental implant—all handled right here in our Arcadia office.

How to Prevent Chipped Teeth in the Future

Don’t chew on hard objects (ice, pens, hard candy)
Wear a mouthguard for sports
Ask us about a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Keep up with regular checkups to catch early wear or weakness

Clear nightguard designed to protect teeth and prevent chipping caused by bruxism.

Final Thought: Don’t Ignore a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth might seem minor at first—but with proper care, you can prevent pain and protect your smile. The sooner you act, the easier it is to fix.

At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we’re here when you need us. Whether it’s a dental emergency or a small concern, we welcome you to your dental home.