What Should You Do If You Break a Tooth?

A broken or chipped tooth can happen unexpectedly while eating, playing sports, or following an accident. Although some breaks may seem minor, even a small crack can affect the structure of the tooth and should be evaluated by a dental professional.

What Can Cause a Broken Tooth?

Teeth can break for several reasons. Common causes include biting down on hard foods, dental injuries, untreated decay, large fillings, teeth grinding, and general wear over time.

A tooth that has already been weakened by decay or previous dental treatment may be more vulnerable to damage.

What Are the Different Types of Tooth Damage?

Not every damaged tooth looks the same. A tooth may have a small chip, a crack in the enamel, a broken cusp, or a more significant fracture that extends deeper into the tooth.

The location and severity of the damage determine which treatment may be appropriate. Some minor chips may require little treatment, while deeper fractures may require restorative care.

What Should You Do Immediately?

If you have a broken tooth, rinse your mouth gently with water to keep the area clean. If there is swelling, a cold compress applied to the outside of the face may help reduce discomfort.

Try to avoid chewing on the affected side and stay away from very hard or extremely hot or cold foods until the tooth has been examined.

If you can find a broken piece of the tooth, keep it and bring it with you to your appointment.

When Is a Broken Tooth an Emergency?

Severe pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a dental injury involving a large portion of the tooth may require prompt attention. A fracture that exposes the inner part of the tooth can also increase the risk of infection.

If you are searching for a dentist near me after damaging a tooth, contacting a dental professional promptly can help determine how serious the injury is and what treatment is needed.

How Can a Broken Tooth Be Repaired?

Treatment depends on how much of the tooth has been damaged. Minor chips may sometimes be repaired with dental bonding. A filling or crown may be recommended when a larger portion of the tooth is affected.

If the fracture has reached the inner pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary before restoring the tooth. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction and tooth replacement may be considered.

Can You Prevent Tooth Fractures?

You cannot prevent every dental injury, but several habits can reduce your risk. Avoid chewing on ice or other hard objects, use a mouthguard during contact sports, and seek treatment for cavities before they weaken the tooth.

If you grind your teeth, speak with your dental professional about appropriate protection.

Take Tooth Damage Seriously

Even if a broken tooth does not hurt, it is important to have it evaluated. A small crack can sometimes become larger with continued chewing and may eventually affect the inner structure of the tooth.

For anyone dealing with a broken tooth in Newmarket, Keep 28 Dental Centre can assess the damage and recommend treatment to help protect your oral health.