Causes of a Chipped Tooth

While a chipped tooth may feel like a sudden mishap, it’s often the result of everyday habits or underlying dental conditions that weaken your teeth over time.

Common causes of a chipped tooth include:

• Biting Down on Hard Foods or Objects: Crunching ice, chewing hard candy, or biting down on popcorn kernels can all put excessive pressure on your enamel. 

• Accidents or Trauma: A slip in the bathroom, a fall while playing a sport, or a sudden impact to the face can lead to immediate and often painful chipping. Protective gear like mouthguards can help, especially during high-impact activities.

• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. Over time, this constant friction weakens enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to chipping and cracking. Nightguards can help protect your teeth while you sleep.

• Weakened Enamel from Decay or Erosion: Tooth enamel is your teeth’s first line of defense. If it’s worn down from poor oral hygiene, acid reflux, or frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, your teeth may be more prone to damage.

• Old or Failing Dental Restorations: If fillings, crowns, and other restorations become worn or loose, the surrounding natural tooth can become vulnerable and chip more easily.

Recognizing When a Chipped Tooth Requires Emergency Care

Not every chipped tooth is an emergency, but certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental attention. Knowing when to act quickly can protect your oral health, prevent infection, and help you avoid more serious dental work later.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact us as soon as possible.



• Persistent pain or pressure sensitivity

• Large piece of tooth missing

• Visible cracks extending to the gumline

• Bleeding from the tooth or surrounding gums

• Sensitivity to temperature

• Swelling or signs of infection

• Jagged or rough edges, irritating your tongue, cheek, or lips

• Pulp or nerve is visible or exposed

Why Prompt Care Matters for a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth might seem like a minor inconvenience, but delaying treatment can lead to far more serious consequences.

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we emphasize the importance of early intervention, not just to ease immediate discomfort but to safeguard long-term oral health.

• Reduces Risk of Infection & Further Damage: A chipped tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, making it vulnerable to bacteria. Left untreated, this can lead to infection, decay, or even an abscess. Prompt care helps seal the damaged area, preventing harmful bacteria from taking hold.

• Prevents Long-Term Complications Like Tooth Loss: A small chip can progress into a deep crack or structural weakness. Without proper evaluation and treatment, the damage may worsen over time, sometimes to the point of tooth loss. Early intervention can help preserve your natural teeth.

• Helps Preserve Your Natural Smile & Comfort: Jagged edges because of a chipped tooth can irritate your tongue or cheeks, and visible damage can impact your confidence. Timely care can restore both function and aesthetics, keeping your smile intact and comfortable.

• Reduces the Need for More Invasive Procedures: Addressing a chipped tooth early can mean the difference between a simple dental bonding treatment and an extraction. 

What to Do Right After Chipping a Tooth

Whether it happened while enjoying a meal, playing sports, or during an unexpected mishap, a chipped tooth should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, knowing how to respond can help protect the tooth, reduce discomfort, and ease your anxiety until you receive professional care.

Here’s what you can do immediately after chipping a tooth to protect your damaged tooth and stay as comfortable as possible:

• Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. This helps reduce the risk of infection and allows you to assess the extent of the damage more clearly.

• Apply a Cold Compress to Reduce Swelling: Place a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek near the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort while you wait for professional care.

• Cover Jagged Edges: If the broken tooth has sharp or rough edges that are irritating your tongue or inner cheek, cover them with dental wax or sugar-free gum. This is a temporary fix to prevent further injury.

• Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If you're experiencing pain and discomfort, over-the-counter medications can help manage pain until you see a dentist.

• Avoid Using the Tooth: Try not to bite down or chew with the damaged tooth. Stick to soft foods and liquids, and give the tooth a break until a dentist can evaluate it.

Emergency Care for a Chipped Tooth

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we offer convenient emergency appointments to ensure you’re seen quickly and treated with the urgency your situation deserves.

We use the latest diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays and 3D imaging, to evaluate the extent of your injury with precision. 

Additionally, our on-site lab means we offer faster turnaround times for custom crowns and other restorative solutions.

Depending on the size and location of the chip in your tooth, as well as whether the pulp or root is involved, Dr. Kostas may recommend one of the following options.

• Porcelain Veneers: A great solution for visible front teeth with moderate damage, veneers provide both strength and aesthetics.

• Dental Crowns: For larger fractures or weakened teeth, crowns offer full coverage protection and restore full function.

• Tooth Extraction & Dental Implants: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, we offer gentle extractions and dental implant placement to restore your smile.

Pain-Free Emergency Care in Englewood, CO

If left untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, or even infection. Timely care is essential to prevent complications and preserve the health, function, and appearance of your tooth.

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental care to restore your smile and peace of mind.



To schedule a consultation, please call us at 720-868-8092 or request an appointment online.