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What to do about a chipped tooth

What causes a chipped tooth?

If not caused by a blow to the mouth, a chipped tooth may result from any of the following:

  1. Teeth being weakened due to plaque build-up or cavities, making them more likely to chip or crack;
  2. Biting down on something hard, like an ice cube, a bone or hard sweets, especially if your teeth aren’t strong and healthy;
  3. Grinding your teeth, especially at night, due to stress or other factors.

Is a chipped tooth an emergency?

If you’ve lost a significant piece of your tooth or if your tooth is wobbly or if there’s excessive bleeding or pain, you should contact your dentist immediately to arrange an emergency appointment or, if that’s not possible, visit the nearest A&E department. For more minor chips or where the tooth’s still firmly in place and there’s only minimal or no pain or bleeding, you should still contact your dentist within 24 hours or immediately if symptoms worsen.

Do chipped teeth get worse?

Yes, if a chipped tooth is left untreated, it is likely to get worse over time. At best, it will simply spoil your smile or cause pain and sensitivity; at worst, it could result in infection or even tooth loss. At the very least, it is likely to lead to more complicated or costly treatment and increase the risk of damage to surrounding teeth.

Can dentists fix small chips?

Yes, there are a number of options. If it’s only a very small chip, typically on the biting surface of your front teeth, we may simply be able to smooth or polish it out for you. For a chipped tooth which has a minor to moderate chip, we can often rebuild the tooth using Bioclear bonding, colour-matched to blend in so the repair will be undetectable. In some cases, a veneer may be the best option.

How can I temporarily fix a chipped front tooth?

You can’t actually fix a chipped tooth yourself but – ahead of seeing your dentist – you can tackle any pain with over-the-counter pain killers and stop it cutting into your mouth or lips by sticking some sugar free chewing gum over the sharp or jagged edge. If the pain or damage is severe (ie lots of blood, a large portion of the tooth has been lost, loose tooth), you should contact your dentist immediately for advice.

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Laurie came to Evolve because she was unhappy with gaps between her teeth.

In this video, she shares her experience of having braces at the practice and how this has helped improve both the appearance of her smile and how her teeth meet together.

Teeth straightening treatment can address concerns such as spacing, crowding and bite issues, while also supporting long-term oral health.

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, a consultation at our practice can help you understand the options available.

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Why do people grind their teeth?

In this video, Maggie explains some of the most common reasons people grind their teeth, particularly during sleep.

Grinding can be linked to things like stress, the alignment of your teeth or certain sleep issues. Over time it can lead to problems such as worn enamel, jaw pain and headaches.

If tooth grinding is causing problems, a custom dental guard may sometimes be recommended to help protect your teeth while you sleep.

Watch Maggie explain what to look out for and when it may be worth getting things checked.

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Clenching, headaches, pain when chewing… these can all be signs of TMJ problems.

In this video, Yasmin explains some of the common symptoms people experience and how treatments using neurotoxins can help relax the muscles around the jaw.

For some patients, this can reduce tension, relieve discomfort and improve day-to-day symptoms.

If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain or tension, it may be worth having a conversation about your options.

Book a consultation with our team at Evolve Face to learn more.

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We are currently accepting new patients at Evolve.

If you’re looking for modern dental care in a friendly, patient-focused practice, we would love to welcome you.

Our team provides a wide range of dental treatments in a relaxed environment, with a focus on long-term oral health and natural-looking results. We’re proud to be a multi award-winning practice, and everything we do is centred around putting patients first.

We also offer finance options to help make treatment more manageable.

If you’ve been thinking about joining a new dental practice, now is a great time to get started.

📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
📞 Contact our reception team on 01275 842550

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🪥 Smile hack: timing your tooth brushing

Did you know that brushing your teeth straight after eating isn’t always the best idea?

In this quick video, Maggie explains why it’s better to wait a little while before brushing. After eating, especially acidic foods and drinks, the enamel on your teeth can be temporarily softened. Brushing too soon can actually cause more wear.

Waiting around 30 minutes gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids and protect your teeth.

Watch Maggie’s smile hack to learn the simple change that can help keep your teeth healthier.

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Did you know that chewing sugar free gum after eating can actually help protect your teeth? 🍬➡️🦷

In this video, Carol explains why dentists often recommend sugar free gum after meals. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids that can lead to tooth decay.

It’s not a replacement for brushing, but it can be a helpful extra habit when you’re out and about and can’t brush your teeth straight away.

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