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Even though human teeth are remarkably strong, there are instances when they may break, crack, or fracture. This issue can be painful and increase the risk of infection, leading to more severe damage. If you believe your tooth is broken, it is crucial to visit a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you should take steps to relieve the pain and minimize further damage to the tooth.
Steps to Follow
Recognize When a Tooth is Broken
Be aware of sharp pain immediately after chewing or when impacted by something hard. If the situation is severe, you may experience intense pain right after the injury. When this happens, examine the painful tooth to see if any pieces are missing. If so, your tooth has indeed fractured.
- Keep in mind that the broken pieces may still be inside your mouth and can cause further injury if swallowed. Therefore, try to spit them out if possible. Retain the fragments.
Pay attention to any unusual pain in the affected tooth. If the crack is not too large, you might not feel pain immediately, but it may come and go intermittently. Typically, you’ll feel pain when chewing or consuming extremely hot or cold foods. If you experience pain like this, it's advisable to have it checked.
Examine the tooth for any cracks or damage. If you suspect the tooth is broken, you can visually inspect it. Look for visible cracks or fragments of the tooth.
- You can also feel the broken tooth if you can't get a good look inside your mouth. Gently move your tongue around the tooth. If you encounter a sharp or rough spot, it could indicate a break.
Check for swelling or inflammation around the broken tooth. If you have trouble finding a visible crack, you can examine the gums. The gum tissue around the broken tooth may be swollen or red. Look for these signs to help pinpoint the damaged tooth.
Schedule an appointment with the dentist. Whether you're sure the tooth is broken or you're just experiencing pain without a clear source, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A cracked tooth can often be repaired, but seeing the dentist promptly helps prevent further damage. In the meantime, take measures to protect your mouth and alleviate the pain.
Take care of the injury before seeing the dentist
Save any fragments you can find. In some cases, a dentist may be able to reattach the fragment to the tooth, so it’s important to keep it if possible. Place the fragment in a container with milk or saliva to keep it from getting damaged and bring it with you when you visit the dentist.
- Never try to reattach the fragment yourself. Attempting this not only won't work due to the lack of proper tools, but it could also cause you significant pain if you accidentally poke an exposed nerve.
Rinse your mouth with salt water. The mouth is full of bacteria, and any wound is susceptible to infection. To help prevent infection, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution if you believe your tooth has cracked.
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water (240 ml).
- Swish the solution around your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds, focusing on the injured area.
- Be careful not to swallow the saltwater.
- Repeat after every meal.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. If the tooth is severely damaged, the pain can be intense. You can manage the pain with over-the-counter medication while waiting for your dental appointment.
- Pain relievers containing ibuprofen, such as Motrin and Advil, are generally preferred over acetaminophen, as ibuprofen also reduces swelling in addition to relieving pain. However, if ibuprofen is unavailable, you can use medications with acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
Use dental wax to cover sharp edges of the tooth. Sometimes, the break can create jagged edges that may cut your tongue or gums. To avoid further injury inside your mouth, apply dental wax to these sharp areas. You can find dental wax in the oral care section of most stores or pharmacies.
- Alternatively, sugarless gum can be used to cover the sharp edges of the tooth.
Be cautious when eating before seeing the dentist. It’s possible that a few days may pass before you can visit the dentist. In the meantime, you’ll still need to eat. Follow these tips to reduce pain and prevent further damage while eating.
- Eat soft foods. The cracked tooth is already weakened and more susceptible to damage. Hard foods could worsen the crack and cause more pain. Opt for soft foods like pudding, soup, and oatmeal until the dentist can treat the tooth.
- Avoid anything too hot or too cold. The cracked tooth will be sensitive to temperature, and consuming extremely hot or cold foods can cause sharp pain. Stick to cooler foods to prevent discomfort.
- Try chewing on the side of your mouth without the cracked tooth. Chewing can cause further pain and damage, so avoid chewing on the damaged tooth.
Learn about dental treatment methods
Tooth filing. When a tooth is slightly chipped, the dentist may choose to file the tooth. The chipped area will be smoothed and polished to prevent it from causing discomfort or injury in the mouth. This is a simple, minimally painful treatment that usually requires only one visit to the dentist.
Filling the crack. If a tooth is cracked and has left a hole, the dentist may opt to fill it, much like treating a cavity. The filling process involves using materials such as silver amalgam or plastic to seal the crack. This method helps prevent food from getting trapped and stops the hole from widening.
Crowning the tooth. If a tooth is severely broken, the dentist may need to apply a dental crown. Crowns, which can be made from metal or porcelain, are designed to resemble a natural tooth in both shape and strength.
Root canal treatment. If a tooth is severely damaged and the nerve or pulp is exposed, the dentist may perform a root canal to save the tooth. During this procedure, the dentist cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth to prevent infection, aiming to avoid tooth extraction.
- If a root canal is necessary, the dentist may later place a crown over the tooth to protect it.
Tooth extraction. If a tooth has suffered significant damage, the dentist may need to extract it. This typically happens when the tooth is severely cracked beneath the gum line, making it impossible to repair. To alleviate pain and prevent further infection, the best course of action may be to completely remove the damaged tooth.
- If you need to have a tooth extracted, ask your dentist about possible replacement options for the missing tooth.
Preventing tooth cracks and breaks
Avoid chewing hard objects. Many people have the habit of chewing hard items such as ice cubes or pen caps. Although teeth are strong, this action can wear them down. Repeatedly chewing hard objects can weaken the teeth and potentially cause them to crack or break. The best way to avoid this is to stop the habit of chewing hard items.
Avoid teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is the repetitive clenching of the upper and lower teeth, often occurring during sleep. Over time, this habit can weaken tooth enamel, making the teeth more prone to cracks and breaks.
- Since teeth grinding typically happens while you sleep, it can be a difficult habit to break. However, there are specially designed devices to protect your mouth while sleeping and help prevent teeth grinding. Ask your dentist about these devices if you have this issue.
Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Teeth are often broken or knocked out during sports activities. If you play contact sports such as football or activities where hard objects like baseballs may strike your face, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your teeth from injury.
- Check out the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for different types of mouthguards.
- If you have trouble finding a suitable mouthguard, ask your dentist for recommendations.
Dental Care. Inadequate oral hygiene can weaken your teeth, making them more vulnerable to damage. The good news is that you can take charge of your oral health. By keeping your mouth clean and visiting the dentist regularly, you can protect yourself from cavities and cracked teeth.
- Read the article Brushing Teeth to learn the proper brushing technique.
- Always Use Dental Floss after brushing to remove any leftover food stuck between your teeth.
- Visit the dentist regularly, usually every six months, to check and clean your teeth.
Tips
- If a tooth gets knocked out, place it in milk and rush to the dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. The first hour is crucial for increasing the chance of saving the tooth.
- You cannot treat a cracked tooth on your own. Seek dental care immediately if you experience pain when eating or sensitivity to temperature changes. Persistent pain is a warning sign that the crack may have damaged the nerve and living tissue inside the tooth.
