Chipped tooth

A chipped tooth happens when a fragment of the tooth's outer protective layer breaks off. Trauma to your mouth or biting something hard can cause it. Even a fall or biting down on a fork can do it.

Cleveland Clinic says depending on how serious the chip is, you may need dental work to repair the tooth and protect it from further damage. Treatment can range from polishing a small chip to bonding, a veneer, or a crown if a large piece is lost. A chip cannot be fixed at home, so schedule a visit.

Save any piece you can find, and rinse your mouth with warm water. If the chip is deep, or you have pain or bleeding, call your dentist. Compare with a fractured tooth. See enamel and dental bonding.