Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance produced by the human body? It’s even harder than bone, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. If you neglect your dental hygiene or consume too many sugary or acidic foods, it erodes the protective outer layer of your teeth. This can increase the likelihood of sustaining chips or cracks, or breaking your teeth altogether.
If you’ve just bitten into something too hard and hurt a tooth, you might be panicking or hurting and feeling unsure about what to do next. Continue reading to learn about 5 steps to take to get help for your dental emergency!
Step #1: Find the Pieces
The first thing to do when you’ve broken a tooth is to try to find the pieces, taking special care not to swallow any that might still be in your mouth. Once you’ve located them, rinse them off and store them in a container to take with you to your dental appointment.
Step #2: Rinse Your Mouth
Depending on what happened, you might also have dirt, debris or blood in your mouth that increases the likelihood of developing an infection. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to get rid of unwanted germs and particles that might cause harm.
Adding about ½ tsp to a cup of warm water and using it as mouthwash can naturally disinfect your mouth as well as draw out excess fluid to help ease swelling and soreness.
Step #3: Cover Sharp Edges
Jagged edges of broken enamel can unfortunately cut up the insides of your gums, lips, and cheeks, adding additional discomfort to your already aching mouth. If you have orthodontic wax or dental wax, you can place a small amount over your tooth to create a smoother surface that won’t jab your tender tissues.
Otherwise, you can chew up a piece of sugarless gum with the teeth on the opposite side of your mouth and place it over the injury.
Step #4: Address Aches
If you’re experiencing pain, try placing a cold compress on the sore side of your face for about 15 minutes at a time for a temporary numbing relief from the discomfort. It’s also often safe to take over-the-counter medications to reduce adverse sensations.
Step #5: Contact Your Dentist
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to contact your emergency dentist for a same-day appointment, if possible. When you arrive, they’ll likely apply a local anesthetic to help you feel comfortable, then they will examine your condition to suggest appropriate solutions, like bonding or a dental crown.
Although you can’t anticipate when you might break a tooth, following this step-by-step guide can help you get through your dental emergency successfully.
About the Practice
Patients at Quiet Corner Dental benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping people of all ages protect and preserve their smiles. They share over 40 years of combined experience providing a comprehensive array of services to meet even the most unique needs under one roof, including same-day emergency visits. If you have a broken tooth and need help, it’s best to call the office at (860) 928- 3723, though you can also contact us through our website.