by Malavi Sivakanesan • 5 February 2025 • 5 min read
Have you ever found yourself wondering,“Why does my mouth tastes like metal no matter what I drink or eat?” If you have, then you are not alone. This experience is known as dysgeusia or taste disorder. It is a change in the perception of taste in your mouth
The condition is mostly harmless. However, it can be alarming if it persists for a longer duration of time.
Now the question is, how do you deal with it?
Prevention and treatment can only start once you know what’s causing it. So, read on to learn about common triggers of metallic taste in mouth and how you can manage it.
Immediate Steps to Take After Chipping a Front Tooth
If you find yourself in a situation where your front tooth has been accidentally chipped off and you cannot reach a dentist, take the following steps as soon as possible. Even if it’s a minor chipped tooth, immediate care can help prevent further damage and discomfort.
Rinse and Check the Damage
You should first wash your mouth with warm water to clean out any food particles or debris. If you have a small chip in your front tooth, rinsing can help keep the area clean and reduce irritation.
If you notice bleeding in your gums, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or some gauze. In case of a chipped bottom front tooth or if the front of your tooth is chipped off, taking immediate care can prevent further complications until you see a dentist.
Protect Your Gums
Your chipped tooth’s sharp edges can cause discomfort to your gums and other teeth. So, to avoid this gum irritation, you should cover your tooth with wax or sugar-free gum. Moreover, you should avoid eating from the affected side as it will worsen the condition of even a slightly chipped tooth.
Manage Pain and Sensitivity
You should avoid eating extremely hot or cold food because a chipped tooth is sensitive to temperature changes. Hence, you should stick to only lukewarm items until you get your treatment. You can also use over-the-counter painkillers to get instant relief from the pain.
When to See a Dentist for a Chipped Front Tooth
- You are in a lot of pain.
- The chip is large.
- There is bleeding, swelling, or unusual redness.
- The tooth is loose.
- You feel a sharp, jagged edge that feels like it might cut your tongue, lips, or insides of cheeks.
- The chipped tooth is very sensitive.
A chipped tooth does not heal on its own. Even if you don’t seek emergency care, it’s strongly advised to show a dentist the damage.
Treatment Options for a Chipped Front Tooth
After following all the immediate steps, you should visit the dentist for a permanent solution to your chipped front tooth. Here are various treatment options general dentistry clinics in the UK.
Veneers
Dental veneers are very thin, custom-made shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of your tooth. If you have a large chip in your front tooth, which is highly visible or even if you have multiple chipped teeth, then you should go for dental veneer. However, this process cannot be reversed as enamel gets removed here, and it lasts for about 10-20 years.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, also called composite bonding, is one of the quickest methods to repair a small chip in your front tooth. Your dentist will apply a resin that is similar in colour to your natural tooth to the chipped areas and shape it accordingly. After this, the resin will be hardened using a special light. This process does not require anaesthesia, is completely painless, and takes only 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Dental Crowns
If you have a severely chipped front tooth, then the dental crown, which is a cap that covers the entire tooth, can restore the shape and strength of your front tooth. It is best for you if you have a structural loss in your tooth or weakness that is making chewing difficult. You will require a minimum of two dental visits to get this procedure done. Once done, a crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer before a replacement is needed.
Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth is chipped from the root and damage is very deep, exposing the inner pulp of your tooth, then it definitely requires a tooth chipping treatment. During the root canal treatment, the damaged pulp is removed, and then the root canal is cleaned. After this, the tooth is sealed to prevent infection.
If the tooth is chipped because of a cavity, addressing the decay is crucial before sealing it. Once the process is complete, a dental crown can be placed to safeguard the tooth from even more damage. If the chipped tooth is sensitive, extra care may be necessary to manage pain, discomfort, and effectively restore dental function.
Get Help Now for a Healthier Smile
A chipped tooth shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even if you’re not experiencing sudden pain, it’s essential to have it checked by a dentist. If left untreated, chipped teeth can lead to infection, further damage, or even tooth loss.
As you are now aware, various treatments are available for chipped teeth. To know which one is ideal to treat your chipped tooth, contact Complete Smiles today. We are a top-rated dental clinic in London, offering comprehensive dental solutions to help you maintain a healthy and confident smile.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.