How to Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home

A Chipped Tooth in Brooklyn? Here's What to Do First

Chipping a tooth might sound like something out of a movie, but it happens more often than you’d think, especially around here. Maybe you bit into an unexpected olive pit at brunch, took a fall on the icy steps outside the F train, or your little one accidentally bumped you during a playful moment in Prospect Park. 

The good news? Most chipped teeth can be repaired quickly and comfortably. The key is knowing what to do right away to protect your tooth and avoid further damage.

Here’s your calm, local action plan:

• Take a deep breath. It’s easy to panic, but try to stay relaxed. Your smile isn’t ruined—this is something dentists handle all the time.

• Assess the situation. Is it a small chip or a bigger break? Are you in pain? Is there bleeding or sensitivity?

• Act quickly but gently. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and follow the next steps to keep things stable until you can get care.

Even if the chip seems minor, it’s always a good idea to have a dentist take a look. Tiny cracks can grow, and even small chips can lead to sensitivity or damage over time.

Just mix a half-teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish it around—nothing fancy, just something you can do right at home.

Next, try to get a sense of the damage, but be careful not to poke at the tooth. Avoid using your fingers or tongue too much—this can irritate the area or make things worse. If there's bleeding, apply a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag and apply light pressure.

Look in the mirror and ask yourself:

• Is it a small chip or a larger piece missing?

• Are you feeling any sharp edges?

• Is the tooth sensitive to air, cold, or touch?

Once you've assessed it, the next step is to protect the chipped area until you can get to the dentist. We’ll go over exactly how to do that in the next section.

Cover Sharp Edges Safely

If your chipped tooth has a jagged or sharp edge, it’s important to protect your mouth from further irritation or injury. Even a small chip can feel huge when it’s rubbing against your tongue or inner cheek all day.

Luckily, there’s a simple at-home fix:

Dental wax, which you can find at most Brooklyn pharmacies, or even sugar-free gum in a pinch. Just roll a small piece between your fingers and gently press it over the sharp edge of the tooth to create a smooth barrier. It’s not a permanent solution, but it can make eating and talking more comfortable until your dentist visit.

A few quick tips:

• Make sure the tooth is dry before applying the wax—it’ll stick better

• Avoid regular gum with sugar

• Don’t use denture adhesives as they can be tough to clean and may cause more issues

• Even sugar-free gum and wax are sticky, so be gentle

• Try not to chew on that side until the tooth is repaired

This step can help prevent cuts, irritation, and further damage, especially if you're juggling work, kids, or errands around the neighborhood and need a temporary fix that keeps you comfortable.

Manage Pain and Sensitivity

Even a small chip can lead to some discomfort, especially if the inner layer of your tooth (called dentin) is exposed. But don’t worry, you’ve got a few easy ways to stay comfortable until you can get in to see us.

Try an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. Just follow the directions on the label, and don’t apply aspirin directly to your gums—it can cause irritation.

Watch what you eat and drink.

Until your tooth is fixed, avoid super hot, cold, or sugary foods—they can trigger sensitivity. Stick to soft, lukewarm foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, or soup.

Be gentle with brushing.

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush (you should be using soft-bristled brushes anyway!) and brush carefully around the chipped area. It’s important to brush and clean that spot as best you can while staying comfortable and pain-free. 

Don’t use glue or superglue.

We know it’s tempting to try a DIY repair, but please don’t reach for the glue—even if it's labeled "non-toxic." These products can be harmful to your mouth and make it harder for your dentist to do proper repairs later. 

Plus, glue doesn’t bond well to enamel, so it won’t hold.

Don’t try to file the tooth yourself.

We’ve heard it all—nail files, emery boards, even sandpaper (yikes!). It might feel like you’re smoothing out a rough edge, but you could actually make the chip worse or cause more damage to the tooth and surrounding enamel.

Avoid chewing on that side.

Until a dentist checks it out, try not to use the chipped side when you eat. Chewing can cause further breakage or stress on the tooth, which could lead to more pain or a bigger repair down the line.

Is It an Emergency?

Severe pain? Bleeding? Swelling?

If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, don’t wait. It’s a sign that the damage may be deeper than it looks. You might have a crack near the nerve or a hidden infection that needs quick attention.

In these cases, it’s best to contact emergency dental care as soon as you can. We offer same-day appointments right here in Park Slope, so you don’t have to wait or wonder. 

As we all know, teeth tend to cause trouble at the worst times. At Park Slope Dentistry Seventh Avenue, we also offer weekend hours for your convenience!

Even if the pain isn’t unbearable, trust your gut. If something feels off, it’s always okay to give us a call. A quick check could prevent a bigger issue later on.

If the chip is small and you're not in pain, it’s probably not an emergency, but it’s still important to have it looked at within a few days. Even a tiny crack can lead to sensitivity, decay, or more serious problems if left untreated.

How We Professionally Repair Chipped Teeth

Once you’re in the chair, we’ll take a close look at the damage and recommend the best fix. Every smile is different, so we’ll walk you through your options and what they mean for your tooth long-term.

In many cases, especially with chipped front teeth, the root issue isn’t just the chip but the alignment. Crowded or misaligned teeth can put extra pressure in places they’re not meant to, making chips more likely over time.

If we see signs of this, we might also talk about orthodontic treatment as a way to protect your teeth in the long run, not just fix the chip, but help prevent future ones.

Here’s how we typically treat chipped teeth at Park Slope Dentistry Seventh Avenue:

If a big piece of the tooth broke off or the chip exposed the inner layers, a dental crown or veneer might be the best choice.

Crowns cover the whole tooth like a strong, protective cap. They restore both function and appearance—and yep, we do beautiful, natural-looking crowns right here in Park Slope. 

Veneers cover the visible surface of the tooth, sparing the enamel on the back side. What your dentist recommends will be entirely catered to your specific needs.

In rare cases, if the tooth is too damaged to repair, we may need to remove it to protect your health.

We’ll talk you through the process and your options—and we’ll never recommend an extraction unless it’s truly necessary.

If the tooth can’t be saved, an implant can replace it, root and all.

It’s a long-term solution that looks and feels like the real thing. We’ll make sure it fits your smile and lifestyle.

No matter the fix, we’ll keep it as gentle and stress-free as possible. And we’ll make sure you leave with a smile that feels like you.

Considering a Cosmetic Fix?

If the chipped tooth is right up front—or it’s messing with the look of your smile—you might want more than just a quick repair. That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in.

We want to understand why it chipped in the first place. Often, it has to do with how your front teeth come together. If they’re slightly misaligned or hitting unevenly, that pressure can lead to chips over time.

That’s why we often do an orthodontic consult at the same time. It helps us get to the root of the problem. Not just patch the damage, but prevent it from happening again.

For visible chips, especially on your front teeth, veneers can be a beautiful option. They’re thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your tooth and blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile. Think: natural, seamless, confident.

Some patients choose veneers for a single chipped tooth. Others use the opportunity to refresh their smile more broadly. Either way, we’ll walk you through the pros and help you decide what feels right for you.

Don’t Skip the Follow-Up

Even if your chipped tooth feels better, it’s still important to come in for a routine dental exam. We’ll check for any hidden cracks, make sure the repair is holding up, and catch any other small issues before they turn into bigger ones.

Think of it like a tune-up for your smile—quick, easy, and worth it. Plus, seeing us regularly helps keep your whole mouth healthier (and saves you stress in the long run).

We make it easy to stay on track. Book your next visit online.

Preventing Future Tooth Damage in Brooklyn

Once we’ve fixed a chip, let’s keep it from happening again. Here are a few easy habits that go a long way:

• Skip the ice chewing and nail biting—they’re tough on teeth.

• Use tools, not your teeth. That includes opening packages and bottle caps!

• Play sports? Get a mouthguard. A custom one fits better and protects more.

• Stay ahead of trouble with regular checkups. We can spot small issues before they turn into cracks or breaks.

• Consider orthodontics - the likely reason for a chipped front tooth is improper tooth alignment. We can digitally scan your teeth and show you what we mean!

Key Takeaways

• A chipped tooth isn’t the end of the world, but it does need care

• Temporary at-home remedies are helpful for short-term comfort

• Professional treatment ensures lasting results and protects your oral health

• Cosmetic options like veneers are great for restoring confidence

• Prevention is your best defense—stay proactive with regular dental visits

Chipped your tooth during brunch in Brooklyn or a stroll through Park Slope? Let’s take care of it—quickly, comfortably, and with a smile.

or stop by our office on Seventh Avenue. We’re here when you need us!