Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, but if you bite down on something hard or get hit in the mouth, it can end up breaking. Realizing that you have a broken tooth is never a pleasant surprise, but if you act quickly, you will be able to get the care you need and prevent the problem from growing worse. To make sure that you’re fully prepared to deal with a broken tooth, here’s a closer look at this dental emergency and the steps you need to take to address it.
Why a Broken Tooth is a Major Problem
A broken tooth can be slightly chipped, or it might be badly fractured. Regardless of how severe the problem appears to be, you can’t afford to ignore it. Depending on the extent of the damage, the pulp inside the tooth may now be vulnerable to harmful oral bacteria. Not only can this result in significant pain, but it could even lead to an infection that, if left untreated, may eventually leave your dentist with no choice but to extract the tooth.
On top of that, an already broken tooth can easily be damaged further if you continue to use it for biting and chewing. As such, even a small chip could lead to a more severe dental injury unless it is treated promptly.
What to Do About a Broken Tooth
It’s essential to have a clear idea of how to handle a broken tooth so that you can act quickly if the worst happens. Here are the steps that you should follow:
- Locate the pieces that have broken off, if you can. Put them in a safe container so that you can bring them with you when you head to the dentist’s office.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help get rid of any debris or harmful bacteria around the tooth that could potentially cause an infection.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen to manage any discomfort that your damaged tooth might be causing.
- If the tooth has any jagged edges, cover them with dental wax or sugarless gum to keep the soft tissues inside your mouth safe.
- If the area around the tooth is swollen, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time.
- Call your dentist to schedule an appointment. They may give you additional first aid tips depending on the symptoms that you describe to them.
You might not expect to ever have to worry about a broken tooth, but unfortunately, dental emergencies can easily happen when you least expect them to. Nevertheless, by following the right steps, you can keep the situation under control until your smile can be restored.
About the Author
Dr. Darren Koch studied dentistry at The University at Buffalo, and he completed his one-year advanced general dentistry residency at UNC-Chapel Hill. His practice in Cary offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies as well as dental crowns and other solutions for damaged teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch, visit his website or call (919) 859-6633.
