Discovering that you have a broken tooth can be a shocking and distressing experience, especially if the break is sudden or unexpected. Whether you were chewing something hard, suffered an accident, or noticed the crack out of nowhere, a broken tooth requires immediate attention to prevent further damage, infection, and prolonged pain.
While its essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to properly address the break, knowing what to do immediately can help minimize discomfort and protect the tooth until you receive professional care.
In this blog, well guide you through the first steps to take when you discover a broken tooth in your mouth and provide helpful tips to manage the situation effectively.
What Causes a Tooth to Break?
A tooth can break for various reasons, and understanding the cause of the break can help you prevent it from happening again in the future. Common causes include:
Trauma or Injury: A sudden blow to the face, such as from an accident, sports injury, or fall, can cause a tooth to crack or break.
Chewing Hard Foods: Biting down on hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candy can place excessive pressure on the teeth, leading to fractures.
Decay or Weakened Tooth Structure: If a tooth has a large filling or extensive decay, it may become weakened and prone to breaking.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth, especially during sleep, can weaken the enamel and cause cracks or breaks over time.
Aging: As teeth age, they naturally wear down, and older teeth are more susceptible to cracks and fractures.
Immediate Steps to Take After Finding a Broken Tooth
If you find yourself with a broken tooth, its essential to take quick action to manage the situation and reduce the risk of further damage. Here are the first steps you should take:
1. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Saltwater
The first thing you should do after discovering a broken tooth is rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater. This helps clean the affected area, remove debris, and reduce the risk of infection. It also helps to soothe any irritation caused by sharp edges on the broken tooth.
How to do it: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and gently rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat as needed.
2. Assess the Severity of the Break
Take a moment to assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the break, your next steps may vary. Ask yourself:
Is the break small or large? A small chip may not require immediate action, while a large break or fracture might expose the nerve and need prompt care.
Is there pain? If theres pain, it may indicate that the tooth has exposed nerves or that the break is severe. A broken tooth can be sensitive to touch, air, or temperature.
Is there bleeding? Some bleeding may occur, especially if the break is close to the gums. Its important to control bleeding and monitor the site.
3. Control Bleeding (If Applicable)
If the broken tooth has caused bleeding in the mouth, its important to stop the bleeding to prevent further complications. You can do this by:
Biting down on a clean gauze or cloth: Apply gentle pressure to the area and hold it in place for 10-15 minutes. If bleeding continues, you may need to repeat the process.
Avoid disturbing the area: Do not touch the broken tooth with your fingers or tongue, as this may worsen bleeding or cause additional discomfort.
4. Protect the Broken Tooth
If the broken tooth has sharp edges or is causing discomfort, you can temporarily protect it by covering the exposed area. This will help prevent irritation to your gums or the inside of your mouth.
Use dental wax or sugar-free gum: You can apply dental wax (available at most pharmacies) or sugar-free gum to cover the sharp edges temporarily. This will prevent further damage or injury to the soft tissues inside your mouth.
Avoid chewing on the broken tooth: Try not to use the damaged tooth for chewing until it is properly treated by a dentist.
5. Manage Pain and Discomfort
If youre experiencing pain due to the broken tooth, over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate the discomfort until you can get to a dentist. Non-prescription pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce pain and inflammation.
Cold compress: If there is swelling, applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek near the broken tooth can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time.
6. Keep Track of the Tooth Fragments
If a piece of your tooth has broken off, try to find the fragment and save it. Bring the fragment with you to the dentist as it may be possible to reattach it, depending on the extent of the damage.
Store the tooth fragment in milk or saline solution: Place the fragment in a container with milk, saline solution, or a clean cloth with water to keep it moist. Avoid storing it in water, as it can cause damage to the tooth structure.
7. Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Even if the pain subsides or the damage seems minor, its essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can assess the severity of the damage, determine if there is any underlying infection, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Emergency dental care: If you experience significant pain or if the break is severe (e.g., exposing the pulp of the tooth), contact your dentist immediately for emergency care.
Schedule an appointment for a permanent solution: Whether the tooth is chipped, cracked, or severely broken, your dentist will discuss your treatment options, such as bonding, a dental crown, or a root canal, depending on the severity of the damage.
Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth
Once you see your dentist, the treatment will depend on the extent of the break:
Bonding or Composite Fillings: If the break is small, your dentist may repair the tooth using bonding material that matches the color of your tooth. This is an effective solution for small chips or cracks.
Dental Crowns: If the break is larger, a dental crown may be required to cover and protect the tooth. Crowns are made to fit over the entire tooth and restore its structure and function.
Root Canal: If the break exposes the tooths pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth.
Tooth Extraction: In cases of severe damage, where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. Your dentist will discuss options for replacing the tooth, such as dental implants or bridges.
Preventing Future Tooth Breaks
To reduce the risk of future broken teeth, consider these preventative measures:
Avoid hard foods: Be cautious when eating hard foods like ice, hard candy, and nuts, which can cause tooth fractures.
Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in sports or activities with a risk of injury, a mouthguard can protect your teeth from trauma.
Avoid teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can protect your teeth from excessive pressure that can lead to cracks.
Regular dental check-ups: Regular visits to your dentist can help identify weak spots in your teeth, detect cavities early, and prevent further damage.
Conclusion
A broken tooth can be alarming, but with the right care and prompt action, you can manage the situation effectively and reduce the risk of complications. By following the immediate steps outlined above and seeking professional care as soon as possible, you can restore the health of your tooth and avoid long-term damage.