Having a tooth break while chewing can be a frightening and painful experience. Whether its due to an underlying cavity, an accident, or simply biting down on something hard, a broken tooth can be a serious dental emergency that requires prompt care. The immediate steps you take after the break can significantly impact the outcome, especially in terms of pain management and the ability to save the tooth. In this blog, well discuss what to do when a tooth breaks while chewing, how to manage the situation, and when its time to see a dentist.
Understanding the Causes of a Broken Tooth
A tooth can break for several reasons, often related to the pressure placed on it during chewing or biting. Common causes include:
Cavities or Decay: A cavity that weakens the tooth structure can cause the tooth to break when you apply pressure while chewing.
Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or blows to the mouth can cause a tooth to fracture or chip.
Chewing Hard Foods: Biting down on hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candy can crack a tooth, especially if the tooth is already weakened.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can lead to fractures over time.
Regardless of the cause, a broken tooth should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further damage or infection.
What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Breaks While Chewing
Here are the critical steps you should take if you break a tooth while chewing:
1. Assess the Damage
The first thing you should do is assess the damage to the tooth. The severity of the break will determine the necessary course of action.
Minor Chip or Crack: If the break is small, you may have only a minor chip or crack in the tooth. This can often be repaired with a dental filling or bonding.
Moderate to Severe Break: If a large portion of the tooth breaks off, or if the tooth is fractured down to the root, it may require more intensive treatment such as a root canal, crown, or extraction.
Pain or Sensitivity: Check for pain or sensitivity. If the broken tooth exposes the nerves, it may be painful, especially when exposed to temperature extremes or pressure. If the tooth is sensitive, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent further discomfort.
2. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water
Once youve assessed the damage, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. This will help remove any food particles or debris from the broken tooth and surrounding gums.
Avoid Cold Water: Cold water could cause sensitivity or discomfort if the tooth pulp is exposed.
Avoid Hot Water: Hot water might aggravate any exposed nerves or cause irritation to the broken tooth.
3. Control Bleeding (If Any)
If the tooth has broken near the gums or has caused any soft tissue injury (such as cuts or tears on the gums or inside the mouth), you may experience some bleeding.
Apply Gentle Pressure: Use a clean piece of gauze or a soft cloth to apply gentle pressure to the affected area to stop any bleeding. Hold it in place for 10-15 minutes.
Cold Compress: If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek to reduce inflammation and numb the area. This can help with pain and swelling while you wait to see a dentist.
4. Save the Broken Tooth Piece (If Possible)
If a significant portion of the tooth has broken off and you can find the fragment, save it. Place the broken piece in a clean container with milk, saline solution, or even water. This helps preserve the tooth fragment until you can see a dentist.
Avoid Touching the Root: Handle the broken piece carefully, holding it by the crown (the chewing surface) and avoid touching the root to prevent further damage to the cells that may help in reattaching the tooth.
5. Cover the Sharp Edges (If Necessary)
A broken tooth can leave sharp or jagged edges that may cut the inside of your mouth or cause further discomfort. To protect your gums and the inside of your mouth, you can cover the broken tooth with dental wax, a piece of sugar-free gum, or even a piece of cotton.
Dental Wax: Available at most pharmacies, dental wax can be molded around the sharp edges of the broken tooth to prevent irritation until you can see a dentist.
Sugar-Free Gum: If dental wax is unavailable, a small piece of sugar-free gum can also act as a temporary protective cover for the broken tooth.
6. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (If Needed)
If the broken tooth is causing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions for pain relief.
Avoid Aspirin: Aspirin is a blood thinner, so its not recommended if theres any bleeding in the mouth.
7. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
To prevent further damage to the broken tooth or irritation to the exposed nerve, avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. Eating soft foods that dont require much chewing can also help minimize discomfort.
8. Seek Professional Dental Care Immediately
A broken tooth is a dental emergency, and its important to seek professional care as soon as possible. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. If your dentists office is closed, consider visiting an urgent care center or an emergency dental clinic.
Time Matters: The sooner you seek professional care, the better the chances of saving the tooth and restoring it to its original function. For example, a broken tooth that has exposed nerves may need a root canal to prevent infection.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
Once youve seen a dentist, the appropriate treatment for a broken tooth will depend on the extent of the damage. Some common treatments include:
Dental Bonding: For small chips or cracks, your dentist may apply a composite resin to restore the shape of the tooth.
Fillings: A broken tooth with minor damage may be repaired with a dental filling.
Crowns: If a large portion of the tooth is missing, a crown may be placed to restore its structure and functionality.
Root Canal Treatment: If the tooth is severely damaged and the pulp is exposed, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth.
Extraction: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may recommend extraction and discuss options for replacing the tooth, such as a dental implant or bridge.
Conclusion
A broken tooth while chewing can be painful and stressful, but taking immediate action can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent further damage. By following these stepsassessing the damage, rinsing your mouth, controlling bleeding, saving the tooth fragment, and seeking professional dental careyou can improve your chances of a successful recovery.
At McLevin Dental, our team is experienced in handling dental emergencies and is committed to providing timely, effective care. If you experience a broken tooth, don’t hesitate to contact us. Well work quickly to restore your smile and prevent further complications.