Learn More About
Chipped or Broken Teeth

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There are a few different things that can cause a tooth to chip. The first is an impact on the mouth, such as falling or being hit in the face. Another is chewing on something hard like candy or ice. Tooth decay can also cause teeth to chip, as the enamel weakens and becomes brittle.

Furthermore, bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding) can put too much pressure on the teeth and cause them to break. Age can also be a factor, with many tooth cracks happening at age 50 and older. Ultimately, it’s better to consult your dentist so they can determine the underlying cause of your chipped or broken tooth and create a treatment plan that’s right for your needs.

You’ll likely experience pain when chewing or biting if you’ve broken or chipped a tooth. This is especially true when you release the bite. However, pain isn’t always a sign that you’ve broken or chipped a tooth. Other signs that you may have broken or chipped a tooth include:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or sweet foods.
• Sharp pain when eating.
• Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth.
• Occasionally persistent pain that comes and goes.
• Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth.
• You can see visible damage to the tooth.

If you see any of the signs and are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your dentist immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to managing a broken or chipped tooth. The sooner you see your dentist, the more likely it is that your dentist will be able to save the tooth.

If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your dentist as soon as possible. You could end up losing your tooth if you do not act promptly, as your tooth could be damaged further or become infected.

In the meantime, try these self-care techniques while waiting for your dental appointment:

• To alleviate pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth with salt water.
• You can protect your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek if a break has left a sharp or jagged edge by covering it with wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum.
• Eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth whenever possible.

While chipped or broken teeth seem harmless, left untreated, they can develop into more serious oral health issues. Here are a few reasons why chipped or broken teeth should never be ignored:

• Your mouth’s soft tissues may be damaged.

Chipped teeth may damage soft tissues in the mouth, depending on their severity and location in the dental arch. A chip with rough edges can irritate the tongue, cheeks, and gums. This can be painful, and the resulting inflammation can make it difficult to eat or speak.

• An easy target for cavities.

Teeth that have been chipped or broken are more vulnerable to enamel erosion, resulting in tooth decay and dental cavities. The management of a minor chip, which can be easily done with dental fillings, may need to be more extensive if left unmanaged.

• Your natural tooth becomes weak and prone to breaking.

If left ignored, a chipped or broken tooth can cause tooth degeneration and fractures, weakening its structure and increasing its sensitivity to pressure. Having pressure sensitivity can make chewing and biting painful. Additionally, it increases your risk of breaking a tooth that can no longer be saved and needs to be extracted.

• Increases tooth sensitivity.

You may start to experience increased tooth sensitivity after breaking your tooth since a broken tooth can expose the dentin layer underneath the tooth enamel. When you eat and drink hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, these substances can irritate the nerve endings, causing pain or discomfort.

Apart from protecting yourself from infection and further injury, you may also have to deal with considerable pain. As a temporary measure, these at-home treatments can relieve the discomfort until your dentist can provide more comprehensive care.

• Use an over-the-counter pain relief medication.

You can manage the pain at home with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, avoid aspirin, which can slow blood clotting and be a problem if you need a root canal.

• Following a meal, floss your teeth.

You can floss after eating to remove any food particles and plaque between the broken tooth and its neighbours. Be careful not to poke too deeply around the affected tooth.

• Make use of clove oils.

Clove oil is a natural anaesthetic used in dentistry for over a century. You can find it in most health food stores. To use it, soak a small piece of cotton in the oil and then blot the cotton on a piece of tissue to remove the excess. Hold the cotton on the painful tooth for several minutes, as this should help to numb the pain and allow you to get through the day until you can see a dentist.

• Keep your head elevated while sleeping.

One way to ease the discomfort is to sleep with your head elevated. This will help to reduce inflammation of the exposed nerve, which can cause severe, throbbing pain. In addition, keeping your head elevated will help to reduce pressure on the tooth.