Accidents happen—especially when you're least expecting them. One moment you’re biting into a piece of hard candy, playing a weekend pickup game, or your child takes a tumble—and the next, there’s a chipped tooth staring back at you in the mirror.

Whether it’s you or your child, knowing what to do in those critical moments before you reach the dentist can make a big difference in preserving your smile.

Step 1: Stay Calm

It’s natural to feel panicked, especially if a tooth looks jagged or feels sharp. But most chipped teeth aren’t serious emergencies—and quick, smart action can help minimize damage and discomfort.

Step 2: Rinse Gently

Rinse the mouth with warm water to clear out any debris or remaining tooth fragments. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze for a few minutes until it stops.

Step 3: Save the Pieces (If You Can)

If a piece of the tooth broke off, place it in a small container with milk or saline (saltwater). Sometimes, we can reattach the fragment, depending on the break and how quickly you’re seen.

Step 4: Cover Sharp Edges

If the chip has left behind a rough or jagged edge, it can irritate the tongue or cheek. You can temporarily cover it with dental wax (available at drugstores) or even sugarless gum to protect soft tissues until we can see you.

Step 5: Avoid Biting Down

Try not to chew with the chipped tooth. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything sticky, hard, or hot/cold until your dentist gives the all-clear.

Step 6: Call Towson Dental Group Right Away

Even if the chip is small and not painful, it’s still important to have it checked. A chipped tooth can weaken over time, or expose deeper layers that are sensitive to bacteria and temperature. Waiting too long increases the chance of needing a more involved repair—like a crown or even a root canal.

Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth May Include:

Dental bonding for small chips

Veneers for visible front teeth

Crowns for larger breaks

Root canal therapy if the nerve is exposed

Tooth reattachment, if fragments are viable

At Towson Dental Group, we’re equipped to handle dental injuries with care, urgency, and precision—whether it’s a chipped front tooth before school picture day or a weekend mishap during sports.

If you or your child has chipped a tooth, don’t wait—call us. We’ll walk you through what to do next and make room in our schedule for emergency care.

📍 Towson Dental Group

302 Union Street, 2nd Floor

Towson, MD 07601

📞 Call us today: (410) 823-0044

📧 Email: TowsonDentalGroup@gmail.com

Prompt care today means fewer problems tomorrow. Let us help restore your smile with confidence.