Some actions are so frequent and habitual that you're unlikely to notice that you're even doing them. How often do you run your tongue along the back of your teeth each day? It's difficult to come up with an exact number, but it's safe to say that it happens a lot. You perhaps would only notice the action when something feels a little bit off. Running your tongue along the back of your teeth can become noticeable when there's a change to the feeling of your teeth under your tongue. A small chip can create a jagged, sharp edge, and the sensation can be less than pleasant when encountered by your tongue. But what has caused this to happen, and what should you do about it?

The Causes

Obviously there are a number of reasons as to how a tooth can become damaged, exposing an unpleasantly sharp edge. There might have been decay (a visible cavity that you'd been meaning to get fixed and now has degraded further), or there might have been a physical blow to the mouth that caused more damage than was first evident. The missing portion of the tooth has detached and could easily have been harmlessly swallowed. The damage, though somewhat uncomfortable, might not seem to be all that bad. This might in fact be the case—for now. It's not as though the tooth can repair itself, and dentists are the only ones who can fix the damage and prevent any further degradation.

The Treatment

A slightly jagged edge to a tooth might not constitute a dental emergency and yet if untreated, it can escalate into one. The tooth might have been left in a weakened, incomplete state and so is more susceptible to periodontal issues. A weakened tooth can also become damaged by eating certain kinds of hard foods that the tooth was able to handle when it was whole (and stronger).

Make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible. If the damage is minimal and dealt with in a timely manner, the necessary repairs can also be minimal. In cases of minor damage where the structural integrity of the tooth is still sound, your dentist might simply recontour the area. This involves smoothing the tooth so that its shape is commensurate (as close as is possible) with its corresponding tooth in your mouth. More significant damage (when a greater section of the tooth is missing) can be repaired with dental cement, and in some instances a dental crown might be required. You simply won't know until you visit a dentist, and you should do so as soon as possible to ensure the most straightforward outcome.

Temporary Relief

And yet there might be some delay in seeing your dentist. You might notice the damage on a weekend, or there might be some days until your regular dentist can schedule an appointment. You run the risk of damaging your tongue when you involuntarily run it along the backs of your teeth, but there are some temporary measures that can offer comfort. A small piece of sugarless chewing gum can be applied to the jagged edge. Dental wax (available from pharmacies) can achieve the same result. Regular reapplication (along with a conscious effort to refrain from touching the affected area with your tongue) will be necessary, and yet it can offer temporary relief and protection until such time as you see your dentist.

Damage to your tooth resulting in a jagged, sharp edge can be unpleasant, and it's important to have the damage assessed and repaired as soon as possible.