DIY Tooth Filing: Smoothing Minor Chips (with Caution)

A chipped tooth creates a jagged edge that scrapes against your tongue and creates an uneven appearance, but you don't have to put up with it. Generally seek the professional help of a licensed dentist for work like this. Definitely see one if you feel any pain at the location of the damage, which would indicate an exposed nerve. You can do a little bit of filing to smooth out the edge. Be careful.

Things You'll Need

• Emery board

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a plain emery board and place the rough edge against the chipped part of the tooth. An emery board should be slender enough to angle in just about any position necessary to reach the chipped portion of the tooth.

• 2

  Stand in front of a mirror and stroke the board just a couple of times to smooth the edge; don't file too much.

• 3

  Stop immediately if you feel any pain; schedule an appointment with your dentist.