How to Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home – Auld Family Dentistry
December 22, 2025
A chipped tooth can happen suddenly and leave you feeling uncomfortable, worried, or unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s caused by biting into something hard, an accident, or nighttime teeth grinding, even a small chip can affect your smile and oral comfort. While professional dental care is always the best solution, we understand that immediate help isn’t always available.
At Auld Family Dentistry, we believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health. In this guide, we explain how to fix a chipped tooth at home using safe, temporary methods, discuss effective chipped tooth home remedies, and help you understand what to do for a chipped tooth until you can visit our office for professional care.
What Is a Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth occurs when a portion of the tooth’s enamel breaks off. Enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, but it is not indestructible. Trauma, pressure, or weakened enamel can all lead to chipping.
Common causes of chipped teeth include:
Biting down on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or candy
Falls, sports injuries, or accidents
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Using teeth as tools to open packaging
Tooth decay that weakens the enamel structure
Some chips are small and purely cosmetic, while others expose deeper layers of the tooth, leading to pain or sensitivity.
Is It Safe to Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home?
When patients ask us how to fix a chipped tooth at home, we always emphasize that home care should only be temporary. These methods are meant to protect the tooth, reduce discomfort, and prevent further damage until professional dental treatment is available.
Permanent DIY repairs are unsafe and can cause more harm. However, knowing how to manage a chipped tooth properly at home can make a significant difference in comfort and outcomes.
What to Do for a Chipped Tooth Immediately
Taking the right steps right away can help prevent complications and relieve discomfort.
We recommend the following:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce bacteria.\
Save the broken piece, if possible, and keep it moist in milk or saliva.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent further damage.
These steps provide immediate protection while you plan your next move.
Quick Solutions to Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home
While these solutions are not permanent, they can help you safely fix a chipped tooth temporarily until you visit us.
1. Dental Wax or Temporary Dental Cement
Dental wax and temporary dental cement are among the most effective short-term solutions. They can:
Cover sharp or jagged edges
Protect your tongue, lips, and cheeks
Reduce tooth sensitivity
These products are available at most pharmacies and should always be used according to instructions.
2. Sugar-Free Gum for Short-Term Protection
If dental wax is unavailable, sugar-free gum can be used briefly to cover sharp edges. This should only be a very short-term option and should be replaced with proper dental materials as soon as possible.
3. Managing Pain and Tooth Sensitivity
A chipped tooth may cause discomfort, especially when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. To manage pain:
Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time
Avoid sugary, acidic, hot, or cold foods
Never place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can damage soft tissues.
4. Adjust Your Diet Temporarily
Eating the wrong foods can worsen a chipped tooth. Stick to soft foods such as:
Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal and smoothies
Avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods until the tooth is professionally treated.
Chipped Tooth Home Remedies: What Helps and What to Avoid
Helpful Temporary Care
Saltwater rinses to reduce bacteria
Dental wax or temporary cement
Cold compresses for swelling
Gentle brushing around the area
What We Strongly Advise Against
Super glue or household adhesives
Filing or sanding the tooth
Ignoring ongoing pain or sensitivity
Delaying professional dental care
Unsafe fixes can damage enamel, irritate gums, and complicate future treatment.
Temporary Fixes vs. Professional Dental Treatment
What Home Fixes Can Do
Temporary solutions help by:
Reducing pain and irritation
Protecting the tooth from further damage
Improving comfort and function
However, they do not restore tooth strength or appearance.
Professional Treatment Options
At Auld Family Dentistry, we provide customized care based on the size and location of the chip. Treatment options may include:
Tooth-colored dental bonding
Porcelain veneers
Dental crowns
Restorative fillings
Professional care ensures the tooth remains strong, functional, and natural-looking.
When Should You See a Dentist for a Chipped Tooth?
You should contact us promptly if you experience:
Persistent pain or sensitivity
Swelling, redness, or signs of infection
A large or deep chip
Sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheeks
Even minor chips can worsen over time, so early evaluation is always best.
How We Care for Chipped Teeth at Auld Family Dentistry
At Auld Family Dentistry, we focus on patient comfort, education, and conservative treatment. We carefully assess the tooth, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate solution to preserve your natural smile.
Our goal is to restore:
Comfort
Strength
Appearance
Long-term oral health
We also address contributing factors like teeth grinding or weakened enamel to help prevent future damage.
Preventing Chipped Teeth in the Future
Prevention plays an important role in protecting your smile. We recommend:
Avoiding chewing ice or hard objects
Wearing a mouthguard during sports
Using a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Keeping up with regular dental checkups
Maintaining strong oral hygiene habits
These steps greatly reduce the risk of future damage, such as chipped teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel does not regenerate, so professional treatment is required.
What is the safest way to fix a chipped tooth temporarily?
Dental wax or temporary dental cement is the safest option.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
It can be, especially if there is pain, bleeding, or nerve exposure. We recommend calling us for advice.
Can home remedies replace dental treatment?
No. Home remedies only provide temporary relief and protection.
How soon should I see a dentist after chipping a tooth?
As soon as possible. Early treatment often leads to simpler and more affordable care.
Schedule Your Visit with Auld Family Dentistry
Knowing how to fix a chipped tooth at home can help you manage discomfort in the moment, but professional care is the key to lasting results. If you’ve chipped a tooth, we’re here to help.
Contact Auld Family Dentistry today to schedule your appointment and let us restore your smile with expert, compassionate care.
