Dealing with a broken tooth can be very painful, no matter your age. As it is an urgent matter that needs medical attention it is important to contact a dentist as soon as possible to get your tooth checked. A broken tooth can result from cavities or something external such as getting into a fight or hitting yourself on a hard surface. Although it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, there are a few things you can do yourself in the meantime:
Some Tips
- Salt Water gargling can help to numb the pain and prevent serious infections from spreading to other teeth next to the broken tooth
- Rinse your mouth right away and clean it. A broken tooth can cause a lot of bleeding and swelling if it is not taken care of in the initial stages.
- Apply a cold cloth or compress on the cheek by the tooth.
- Try soaking up the bleeding either with a cold compress or with tea bags to prevent swelling.
- Avoid chewing or eating anything until you consult the dentist, because food can get stuck in the tooth area and can also infect the gums. Additionally, it might be very difficult for you to eat anything if your teeth are broken.
- Take a non-prescription pain reliever such as paracetamol if needed.
- If the tooth is loose and not completely broken, try not to take it out yourself until you go to the dentist as this could affect the other teeth in the mouth
Going to the Dentist
When you go to the dentist, they will examine your mouth and the broken tooth in more detail. Depending on the specific circumstances around your tooth, the dentist will advise on a suitable restoration method, for example using a crown to cover the broken tooth so that it seems like a real one. This only works only if the tooth is not completely broken, where resin or porcelain crowns can look similar to a real tooth. Root canal surgery might also be needed if the tooth is completely broken, especially if the cause is cavities. According to the European Journal of Dentistry, the molars of the lower jaw are the most frequent and common teeth to break because they are the most common teeth that are used while eating. The wider the damage that is caused by your broken tooth, the more severe a surgical procedure is needed. If you only have a chip or minor damage, then it is likely that you would not need any surgery and that your tooth will heal itself after some minor dental procedures. Craze lines, for example, do not need much medical attention because they are small cracks that are common and occur in the enamel only. Your dentist will be the best person to decide on the best treatment in your case.
Conclusion
It is also important to brush your teeth regularly to avoid such cavities. Despite that, many people face problems with their teeth during adulthood because some teeth can wear out and break due to too much pressure or activity. You can avoid breaking a tooth by being cautious about how you maintain your teeth, such as gargling or brushing after meals and making sure that no food is stuck around your enamel areas.
