If you have a broken tooth, you should contact your dentist. Although the teeth are remarkably strong, they can break, chip or crack. This can happen in many different ways. These include being hit in the mouth or face, falling or biting down on something hard. Teeth can also break due to dental problems like lost fillings or large cavities.
When a person’s tooth breaks or chips, it may not hurt. But the tongue often feels the sharp region quite quickly. In many cases, minor tooth fractures do not cause pain, but it can hurt if a large piece of the tooth breaks off. The nerve inside an individual’s tooth may be damaged.
A person may also experience extreme discomfort when nerve endings in the dentin are exposed to air or to cold or hot drinks and foods. Pain from a cracked or broken tooth may be constant or even come and go. Many individuals feel pain when chewing because it puts pressure on the tooth. If a tooth breaks, here are some things a person should do right away.
For a broken or cracked tooth, a person should rinse the mouth with warm water right away. This will help clean the area. Cold compresses should be put on the face. This is necessary to reduce swelling. Seeing the dentist as soon as possible is always recommended. Otherwise, the tooth could end up becoming infected or damaged further, which can even lead to someone losing the tooth.
A person should gather the broken pieces and place them in a dry and clean container. These pieces should be transported to the dentist. A person can benefit from applying pressure with a piece of gauze on any bleeding area. This should be done for a few minutes or until the bleeding stops.
If the tooth is painful, there are several things a person can try for temporary pain relief. There are several over-the-counter pain relievers that can help. However, a person should ensure that they can be used with any other medications that are being taken. Applying a cold pack to the lips or cheeks over the broken tooth can also help relieve pain.
If the break has caused a jagged or sharp edge, it should be covered with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum. This will help ensure it does not cut the tongue or inside of the cheek or lip. If a person has to eat, eating soft foods is advisable. An individual should also avoid biting down on the broken tooth.
Accidents happen but knowing what to do when one occurs is important. If your tooth breaks, it is vital to see your dentist as soon as you can. In the meantime, you should take measures to reduce pain and swelling, keep your mouth clean and stop any bleeding. It is also beneficial to gather the broken pieces and to take them with you to the dentist.
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