An unexpected and upsetting sensation might result from breaking your tooth while eating. Knowing how to respond in an emergency dental crisis or when biting on a hard item is crucial for reducing discomfort and avoiding further injury. This post will go over five crucial actions you should do immediately if you break a tooth while eating, giving you advice on handling the issue successfully.
- Assess The Damage
Identifying the amount of your tooth’s damage is the first step. Use warm water to gently rinse your teeth to clean the region and eliminate possible particles. Carefully inspect the cracked tooth in a mirror and note any obvious fractures, cracks, or missing parts. Examine the adjacent teeth as well for any indications of wear or displacement. Use a cotton or a clean towel to gently press on the area where the gums are bleeding or the fractured tooth until the bleeding stops. Knowing how serious the break is will let you decide if it has to be fixed right away or can wait until your next dental appointment.
- Save Any Broken Tooth Fragments
It’s crucial to keep any fractured tooth pieces if you find them. Avoid touching the roots by carefully picking up the fragments by the cap, which refers to the top portion of the tooth visible in the mouth. The odds of a successful reattachment are decreased if the tooth pieces are handled by the roots, which might cause further harm. Put the shattered tooth pieces in an empty container with milk or saliva to keep them wet. The tooth pieces should be saved so that your dentist may examine them and determine whether they can be used for restoration, like gluing or reattachment to the tooth.
- Manage Pain And Swelling
It can be difficult and upsetting to have pain and swelling after breaking a tooth. You can take over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin or a painkiller, to alleviate the tooth discomfort, as long as you follow the directions on the label and any recommendations from your doctor. These drugs can aid in reducing inflammation and discomfort. A cold compress on the injured region might also help with pain relief and reduce edema.
To protect your skin from damage and avoid frostbite, don’t forget to cover the icy pack or ice cubes with a piece of cloth. For about 15 minutes, apply the cold compresses to the exterior of your mouth, close to the damaged tooth. This might offer momentary comfort and aid in bringing down any apparent swelling.
- Contact Your Dentist Immediately
It is essential to call the dentist as quickly as you can to get expert care after evaluating the damage and controlling discomfort. Give them a brief explanation of the problem and any pertinent information on the fractured tooth. Many dentist practices offer emergency slots for critical circumstances like dental emergencies. By sharing the occurrence with your dentist, they can call you back with the right advice, set up an appointment right away, and make sure you get the treatment you need as soon as possible to avoid any issues. They could ask you detailed questions on the type of break, the intensity of the pain or unease, and any extra signs you may have seen. They can use this information to assess the situation’s urgency and select the best action.
- Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Once you’ve gotten in touch with your dentist, adhere to their advice until your appointment for emergency dental care. They could offer advice specially customized to your circumstances, and it’s critical to follow their advice to avoid further injury or illness. Your dentist might suggest avoiding particular meals or drinks that could aggravate the disease or cause pain, such as hot or icy foods or crunchy, hard foods. They could also advise interim treatments like covering sharp edges with dental wax to prevent cuts or discomfort in your mouth. Until your dental visit, when they can completely examine the issue and give the necessary treatment, these guidelines will keep you at ease and avoid future complications.
Conclusion
Even though breaking one of your teeth while eating might be frightening, acting quickly can help you deal with the pain and any subsequent issues. To handle this dental emergency, you must first evaluate the damage, save any shattered tooth pieces, control discomfort and swelling, immediately call your dentist, and then follow their recommendations. Remember that getting expert dental care is essential to properly treating and restoring your tooth. You may reclaim your oral wellness and smile with assurance by taking prompt action and obtaining expert treatment.
