What You Should Do if You Break a Tooth

Did you break a tooth recently?

Panic is the most common reaction for many people. However, staying calm should prevail while assessing the situation.

After all, Americans will lose an average of 12 teeth until they reach 50 years old. Next to cavities and periodontal diseases, accidents can also lead to tooth loss. Sometimes, biting hard can lead to a chipped tooth.

If you find yourself in such a situation, continue reading below for a quick guide on what to do if you get tooth pain henderson nc.

The First Things to Do When You Break a Tooth

The moment you break a tooth, don’t panic. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply pressure on the area.

Use a clean gauze or wet tea bag to apply pressure. If your cheek swells, apply an ice pack.

The pain could be bothersome, so take paracetamol. It reduces the pain until you visit your dentist. Cover the broken tooth with milk or saline solution.

Alternatively, apply some clove oil to the area. It has eugenol, which helps relieve inflammation. It also gives a numbing effect.

Avoid brushing the tooth until after your dental visit. If you have the separated part of the tooth, bring it with you. Keep it safe inside a wet gauze.

If the entire tooth pops off, grab it using a gauze pad. Rinse it with water if it fell on the ground. If possible, place it back into the socket before heading straight to your dentist.

The Anatomy of a Broken Tooth

There are three types of broken teeth. First is the small tooth crack. It happens when you bite down hard, especially when eating.

The small cracks can lead to tooth decay without proper treatment. Meanwhile, the slightly chipped tooth affects only the top layer of the tooth.

Lastly, there is the large break. Sharp pain may accompany the broken tooth. The area may also bleed and become swollen.

When to See Your Dentist

Before you start asking “Is there an emergency dentist near me?” determine whether they’re necessary.

Some tooth cracks don’t need immediate dental treatment. Small cracks don’t require cosmetic dentistry.

If the damage leaves sharp edges on your tooth, see a dentist. The sharp edges can cut your mouth’s soft tissues. In turn, it may develop an infection.

It may also lead to further complications. Dentists use a composite filling to smoothen the area. Losing a tooth also merits an immediate trip to the dentist.

For serious dental fractures due to cavities, oral surgery like root canal treatment is a viable option.

Boost Your Health and Well-Being Now

Now you know what to do when you break a tooth, you can address the situation correctly. You can also save your tooth from further complications.

However, dental health is not the only thing that should concern you. Learn how to boost your health and general well-being.

Do you need more helpful guides? Consider browsing our other articles today.

 

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