Oh no, you broke a tooth! Whether from a nasty fall, chomping down on something hard, or grinding your teeth at night, a broken tooth is a dental emergency. Pieces of your tooth can cut your tongue, gums or inside of your mouth if left untreated. Plus, the sooner you get it fixed, the better chance your dentist has of saving the tooth. about dentistry services
So what should you do? First, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean out any debris or loose pieces. Then follow these 8 tips for dealing with a broken tooth until you can get to your dentist. top rated dentistry
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Table of Contents
8 Clever Ways to Handle a Broken Tooth
1: Save Those Pieces!
If the entire tooth or large pieces come out, place them in a cup of milk or saliva to keep them moist. Your dentist may be able to bond the fragments back onto the remaining tooth. Even if it seems hopeless, it’s worth bringing them just in case.
It’s a good idea to handle the tooth pieces as little as possible, too…
2: Apply a Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth to the area to help reduce any swelling and numb pain. Swelling can make it harder for the dentist to treat the tooth down the road.
The cold will constrict blood vessels and limit inflammation around the broken tooth…
3: Take Over-the-Counter Pain Meds
Go ahead and take an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease discomfort. Just don’t place aspirin or other numbing gels directly on the gums near the broken tooth, as this can burn the soft tissue.
If the pain is severe, you can alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen every few hours, too…
4: Stick to Soft Foods
Only You’ll want to stick to soft, cool foods and avoid anything crunchy or chewy that could further damage or irritate the tooth. Think soups, yogurt, pasta, smoothies – things you can easily swallow without much chewing.
The last thing you want is to chew on that broken tooth and risk knocking off more pieces or driving it deeper into your gums…
5: Use Temporary Dental Cement
For a larger chip or crack, your dentist may recommend using a temporary dental cement or filling material to protect the tooth surface until you can get it properly fixed. Check with them first, but these over-the-counter products can provide a quick fix.
These cement products basically act as a plastic filling to cover up cracks, holes or rough edges on your broken tooth…
6: Do Salt Water Rinses
Gently swishing warm salt water around the broken tooth a few times per day can help remove food particles and promote healing. Just mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water.
Salt water has natural disinfecting properties to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection as the tooth heals…
7: Book That Dental Appointment ASAP
As soon as you’ve taken those first aid steps, call your dentist right away, even after hours. Describe the tooth situation and get an appointment scheduled as soon as possible, preferably within a day or two if you can.
The sooner your dental filling South Morang is done, the better! Waiting too long gives bacteria more opportunity to cause infections or abscesses.
8: Be Prepared for a Root Canal
Depending on how badly the tooth is cracked or broken, your dentist may need to perform a root canal treatment to save the tooth. While it sounds intense, root canals today are usually no more uncomfortable than getting a regular dental filling. It’s a very common procedure to remove the inner pulp from the tooth, clean it out, and seal it up to prevent infections.
If the crack extends down into the tooth’s inner pulp layer, letting bacteria and infection take hold, a root canal is likely needed…
So there you have it – 8 savvy tips for what to do if you break or crack a tooth before making it to Smile Ville or your local dentist. While it’s never fun to deal with a dental injury, staying calm and taking those first aid steps can make a huge difference in saving your smile.
Final Thoughts
Remember, if you experience a broken tooth, it’s important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Even though these tips can provide temporary relief and protection until your appointment, a dentist will be able to properly assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
In addition, practising good oral hygiene and avoiding bad habits like grinding or clenching your teeth can help prevent future dental emergencies. So take care of those pearly whites, and always be prepared for the unexpected!
The right fix for your broken tooth – whether it’s a dental filling, crown, root canal or something else – will depend on the location and extent of the damage. Your dentist is the best person to assess the situation. Just don’t ignore it or put off treatment, as that can lead to bigger problems like infections, abscesses, or even bone loss.
Just get to your SmileVille dentist in South Morang for the proper repair, okay? A broken tooth is no laughing matter!
