Breaking a tooth can happen for a number of reasons. From old, faulty fillings or cavities weakening the tooth to hard bites, falls and hits taken to the face, losing or breaking teeth is common. That doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable, and – especially when the tooth that gets broken is in the front of the mouth – it can be embarrassing, as well.
The good news is, it’s entirely reparable. Here’s what to do if you break a tooth!
Provide Your Own Emergency Care
Until you can get in with an emergency dentist from treatment, follow these steps suggested by Colgate to care for your tooth and the surrounding area:
- Use warm water to rinse your mouth well.
- Apply gauze to any areas that are actively bleeding and use steady pressure to stop the bleeding. Hold for ten minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after ten minutes, apply a tea bag the same way, for the same amount of time.
- Using a cold pack, apply gentle pressure to the skin above the tooth, either on the cheek or the lips. This will reduce pain and swelling, and also contribute to stopping the bleeding.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol.
If you cannot get to an emergency dentist right away, seek temporary dental cement to cover the area. This is typically available at your local drugstore.
Call Your Dentist Right Away
The most important factor in treating a broken or cracked tooth is seeing a professional as soon as possible. Even if the tooth doesn’t appear broken, sensitivity during eating or drinking or exposure to heat or cold means that nerves have been exposed, requiring professional treatment.
Clients in the Plano area can consult Shifa Dental for same-day emergency dental appointments. Don’t wait – get that tooth taken care of right away, and get on with your day!
