What to Do If You Chip or Break a Tooth

It’s always the same story — one minute you’re enjoying Sunday brunch, the next you’re biting into a fork (ouch) or meeting the business end of a champagne glass. A chipped or broken tooth isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a dental emergency that deserves quick action.

First things first: stay calm. Chipped teeth are common, and we’ve seen them all — from “tiny chip” to “how is that tooth even still there?” Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, and if there’s bleeding, apply light pressure with gauze. If you can, save any broken pieces in a clean container.

The most important step? Call us immediately. At Big Gay Smiles, we offer same-day emergency appointments in DC because we know dental mishaps don’t wait for your next cleaning. The sooner we see you, the better the chances of repairing your tooth without complications.

Depending on the severity, we might fix it with dental bonding (think of it as sculpting your tooth back into Instagram-ready perfection), a veneer, or a crown. For more serious breaks involving the nerve, a root canal might be necessary — but don’t panic, modern root canals are nothing like the horror stories.

Pro tip: Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or using your teeth as tools (looking at you, bottle openers) to reduce the risk of future chips. And if you’re prone to grinding your teeth, a custom nightguard can save you from a repeat incident.

At Big Gay Smiles, we make dental emergencies less scary, more comfortable, and always affirming. So, whether it’s a champagne cork gone rogue or a hockey puck to the mouth — we’ve got you.