The makeup of the teeth makes them one of the hardest substances in your body. But since they’re frequently in harm’s way, they may fracture for different reasons. A fractured tooth is an urgent matter, so you should book an urgent appointment to see a dentist.
A fractured tooth means there’s a break or crack in the hard shell of the tooth. It often leads to pain and sensitivity to hot and cold, which tend to come and go. Sometimes, pain from a cracked tooth is constant and can be felt when chewing because the action puts pressure on the tooth. If left unchecked, it may deteriorate and lead to bigger dental problems, such as an abscess or an infection caused by a pocket of bacteria.
If a fracture causes severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a sharp edge that is cutting your mouth, it is worth reviewing your emergency dental services options.
Causes of a fractured tooth
A fractured tooth can be caused by:
- Chewing on hard foods such as ice and candy
- Biting down on a hard object
- A blow to the chin or lower jaw
- Large cavities that weaken the tooth
- Tooth grinding and tooth-clenching
- Sudden changes in mouth temperature
- Too much pressure on a tooth caused by the way your teeth come together when your jaw closes
Symptoms of a fractured tooth
The signs of a fractured tooth are not always obvious and tend to vary. For some people, the condition comes with pain that comes and goes, mostly when they’re chewing, and they release the biting pressure. Other people experience sharp pain when biting down, while some can only chew on one side of the mouth.
Other symptoms that may require dental work include swollen gums and discomfort in the area. Letting your dentist examine your mouth is usually recommended, as it can be hard to tell which tooth is causing the discomfort. This may also involve using a magnifying glass to help identify cracks.
What you should do if you have a fractured tooth
A fractured tooth is an emergency, so it should not be left untreated. You should schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately, as a delay could lead to food getting stuck inside, which can cause acute infections.
When enough tooth structure remains, treatment may involve protection with dental crowns or bridges instead of removal.
If your tooth is fractured, here are a few things you can do at home before you’re able to see a dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or salt water.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek or lips over the broken tooth to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- If a piece of tooth is broken off, put it in milk or saliva to preserve it, as the dentist may be able to glue it back on.
- If the tooth fracture is severe, but you cannot see a dentist immediately, cover the part of the tooth with temporary cement. It is sold at local drug stores.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Conclusion
A tooth fracture can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort for anyone. If you experience a cracked or broken tooth, you should have it checked and repaired by a dentist as quickly as possible. The longer you delay, the greater the risk of an infection developing.
