A broken tooth can be scary, especially if it happens suddenly. Knowing what to do when a tooth breaks can help keep the situation under control and ease any pain. Here’s a guide on what you need to know about handling a broken tooth near you and when it’s necessary to visit a dentist.
Recognizing the Different Types of Tooth Damage
Not all broken teeth are the same. Here are some common types of tooth injuries:
- Chipped Tooth: This happens when a small piece of the tooth’s enamel breaks off, creating a chipped front tooth. It usually doesn’t hurt too much but may feel rough to the tongue.
- Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth has a split or crack, which might go deep into the tooth. This can be painful, especially when chewing or eating hot or cold foods.
- Fractured Tooth: If a piece of the tooth breaks off entirely, like part of the crown (the visible part of the tooth), it’s a more serious problem. This type of break usually involves pain.
- Tooth Knocked Out: Sometimes a tooth can be knocked out completely, which is an emergency and requires immediate attention from a professional.
First Aid for a Broken Tooth
If you or someone you know breaks a tooth, here are some steps you can take right away:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean any debris. Be careful not to swallow any tooth fragments.
- Stop Any Bleeding: If there’s bleeding, gently bite down on a piece of clean gauze or cloth to stop it.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Hold a cold pack on your cheek near a broken tooth to lessen swelling and relieve pain.
- Save Any Pieces of the Tooth: If a piece of the tooth has broken off, try to keep it. Place it in a container with milk or saliva and take it with you to the dentist.
- Avoid Eating on the Broken Side: Try not to chew on the side with the broken tooth to avoid more damage.
Tips to Get Pain Relief While Waiting to Visit the Dentist
A broken tooth can be painful, especially if it’s a broken wisdom tooth. Here’s how to relieve pain while waiting to visit a dentist:
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Take medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if your healthcare provider says it’s okay.
- Avoid Hot and Cold Foods: These can make the pain worse, especially if the tooth is sensitive.
- Apply Clove Oil: You can put a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and gently apply it to the area around the broken tooth. Clove oil is a natural pain reliever.
When to Visit a Dentist?
While some small chips may not require urgent care, other types of breaks, like when a tooth broke in half, should be seen by a dentist right away. Here’s when you should visit the dentist:
- If There’s Severe Pain: Pain that doesn’t go away could mean the break has reached the tooth’s inner layers, called the pulp, where the nerves are.
- If You See Exposed Red or Pink Areas: This might be the pulp, and if it’s exposed, the risk of infection is high.
- If a Large Piece of Tooth is Missing: The tooth structure is weakened, and it can easily break more without treatment.
- If the Tooth is Loose: A loose or wobbly tooth needs a dentist’s help to ensure it stays in place and doesn’t fall out.
- If the Tooth is Knocked Out: Try to place the tooth back in its socket or keep it in milk and visit a dentist immediately.
Key Takeaways
A broken tooth needs quick attention. By knowing what to do, you can manage the pain, protect the tooth, and avoid infections. Remember, any pain, loose teeth, or visible damage is a sign that you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. Following these steps will help keep your smile healthy, even in an emergency!
Quality Care for Your Dental Needs at Keep28 Dental Centre!
Keep 28 Dental Centre offers quality care for all your dental needs. Our friendly team of dentist in Newmarket is here to help with everything from routine cleanings to emergency treatments, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. Trust us to keep your smile healthy and bright. Visit Keep28 Dental Centre for the care you deserve—book your appointment today!