If you have a broken, cracked, or even chipped tooth, it can come with pain and be an inconvenience. While a broken tooth can be fixed, it can be painful in the meantime. You’ll likely need to take a trip to the dentist, but managing your pain until your appointment is important. Let’s look at what to do when you crack your tooth.
Broken Tooth: Immediate Steps to Take
This is likely a task for the professionals, so do not try to fix anything by yourself at home. If you have chipped or broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water or even salt water to clean and flush your mouth. You’ll need to apply clean gauze if there is any bleeding. Also, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek on the side of the injured tooth to help reduce the initial swelling. Lastly, if you have a tooth that has fully broken off, find the portion of the chipped tooth that has come off. Wrap it in wet, clean gauze, and bring it to the dentist with you.
Steps to Take Between the Break and Dental Visit
Defer to your dentist’s recommendations, but there are a few steps you can take to take before you see the dentist after you crack your tooth. Until the appointment, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the damaged tooth. You should also avoid eating foods with small seeds or anything that could get lodged in the broken tooth area. Lastly, stay away from hot and cold temperatures as this can aggravate the sensitivity.
Dental Visit
Depending on if your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, you’ll likely have different treatment options once you get to the dentist.
Chipped Tooth:
A chipped tooth is the least of the three-tooth issues, and likely does not require immediate attention. However, you should visit the dentist and get it looked at as soon as possible. If the chip is small, you may get away with just having to have it smoothed or polished. If it is larger, you may need to get a filling to prevent any further issues.
Cracked Tooth:
A cracked tooth is more problematic than a chip, so you’ll need to get an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the crack, you may be able to get away with just a filling. However, if it is more serious, you may need a crown or root canal. The dentist will be able to recommend the right treatment option for you when you crack your tooth.
Broken Tooth:
This is the most painful and extremely sensitive of the three. This is most often an emergency dental issue that will need to be addressed right away. Depending on the severity, you may be able to get a crown to cover the broken area. If your break is deep and the root is still intact, you may need a root canal.
Steps to Strengthen Your Teeth
Below you will find some steps to ensure your enamel teeth stay strong and healthy!
- Calcium-Rich Diet: Calcium in food can counter the acids in your mouth that cause decay and weaken your enamel. It also has the added benefit of keeping your bones strong.
- Fluoride: Toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and repair the early stages of tooth decay. It can also help your teeth become more resistant to the harmful acids that come from food and bacteria in your mouth.
- Six-Month Checkups: Visit the dentist every six months and follow the dentist’s recommendations for maintaining optimal oral health.
Dentists in Burbank, California
If you have a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth or are looking for a new dentist, contact Coastland Dental for an appointment. No matter your dental needs, the team at Coastland Dental is experienced and ready to diagnose and treat your dental issues. They know exactly what to do when you crack your tooth. From broken teeth to six-month checkups, the dentists at Coastland Dental are experienced and focused on patient care. Contact Coastland Dental today to set up an appointment!