Accidents can happen at any time, and a broken tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. Whether caused by a fall, sports injury, or an unexpected accident, a broken tooth can be painful and concerning. However, acting quickly and storing the broken tooth properly can significantly increase the chances of successful restoration. In this blog, we will guide you through the important steps to take when dealing with a broken tooth, including how to store the broken tooth safely until you can seek professional dental treatment.
Understanding the Importance of Storing a Broken Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out or broken, the way you handle and store it before treatment plays a crucial role in whether the tooth can be successfully reattached or repaired. In some cases, a dentist may be able to save a broken or avulsed (knocked-out) tooth if it is preserved and treated within the first hour after the injury. The longer the tooth is left outside the mouth, the more difficult it becomes to restore it. This is why proper storage is so important during the waiting period until you can get to a dental office.
Immediate Steps to Take When You Break a Tooth
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
The first step in dealing with a broken tooth is to remain calm. Panicking can make it harder to take the right actions. Carefully inspect the tooth and the surrounding area. Is the tooth partially or fully broken? Is there any bleeding or swelling in the mouth? Are there any sharp edges from the broken tooth that might cut the inside of your mouth?
2. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water
If the tooth is broken but still in your mouth, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. Avoid using hot or cold water, as this can irritate your gums or cause further discomfort.
If you have any bleeding, gently apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop it. If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, seek professional dental help immediately.
3. Locate and Handle the Broken Tooth Carefully
If the tooth has been knocked out or broken off, try to locate all the pieces. It’s important to handle the broken tooth with care to avoid causing further damage. Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is normally visible above the gumline), and avoid touching the root, as this part is more delicate and can be damaged easily.
4. Rinse the Broken Tooth (If Detached)
If you can find the broken tooth or its pieces, gently rinse them under clean water to remove any dirt or debris. Do not scrub the tooth or use soap, as this could damage the delicate tissues. If there is dirt or debris stuck to the tooth, gently wipe it away with a soft cloth or gauze.
5. Avoid Drying the Tooth
Do not let the broken tooth dry out, as this can make it impossible to reattach. If the tooth is intact and you are able to preserve it, act quickly to store it correctly. You can do this by placing it in a suitable solution, such as milk, saline solution, or even your own saliva, which helps keep the tissues of the tooth viable until it is reimplanted.
How to Store a Broken Tooth Before Treatment
1. Store the Tooth in Milk
One of the best methods to store a broken or knocked-out tooth is to place it in a container with milk. Milk helps keep the tooths cells hydrated and nourished, increasing the chances of reattachment. Ideally, use cold milk, as this helps preserve the tooth longer. Ensure the tooth is fully submerged in the milk to prevent it from drying out.
2. Use Saline Solution (If Milk is Not Available)
If you do not have milk available, saline solution (such as the one used for rinsing contact lenses) is a good alternative. This solution helps keep the tooth hydrated and safe until you can get to the dentist. Place the tooth in a small container with saline solution, making sure the tooth is completely submerged.
3. Your Own Saliva (If No Other Option)
If no milk or saline is available, you can place the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum to keep it moist with your saliva. This is not the best long-term option, but it can help preserve the tooth temporarily if you cannot get to a store for other solutions. However, its important to seek dental care as soon as possible, as keeping the tooth in your mouth for too long may cause it to become contaminated with bacteria.
4. Avoid Storing the Tooth in Water
It may seem like water is a good option, but water should be avoided for storing a broken tooth. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the tooth’s root to swell, leading to damage that could prevent reattachment. Always choose milk or saline over water when storing a broken tooth.
5. Transport the Tooth Safely
Once youve stored the tooth, transport it to your dentist as quickly as possible. If the tooth is intact, your dentist may be able to reimplant it successfully, especially if done within an hour of the injury. If it is broken into pieces, your dentist may be able to bond the fragments back together or perform a root canal to save the tooth.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
If you experience a broken tooth, it is crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Even if youve followed all the proper first aid steps, only a dentist can properly evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the break, your dentist may:
Reimplant the tooth: If the tooth was fully knocked out and stored properly, the dentist may be able to reimplant it.
Bond the fragments: If the tooth is broken into smaller pieces, your dentist may bond the fragments back together with dental adhesive or perform a root canal to restore the tooth.
Crown or Cap: For a partially broken tooth, a dental crown may be placed to cover and protect the remaining structure.
Preventing Future Tooth Damage
While accidents happen, you can take steps to reduce the risk of broken teeth in the future. Here are some preventative tips:
Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports or activities that pose a risk to your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury.
Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of hard foods that can crack or break teeth, such as hard candies, ice cubes, and nuts.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Keep your teeth strong and healthy by brushing and flossing regularly to avoid cavities or weakened teeth that are more prone to breakage.
Conclusion
A broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but with prompt and proper care, you can improve the chances of successful treatment and restoration. By storing the broken tooth in milk or saline, and seeking professional help quickly, your dentist may be able to save the tooth and restore its function. Always remember that acting swiftly is key, and following the right steps will help ensure your dental health is preserved.