A sudden crunch, a sharp pain, and the unsettling realisation that your tooth has broken. It’s not something you plan for, but it can happen in an instant. Whether it’s a minor chip, a deep crack, or a serious break, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Acting quickly can ease discomfort, prevent further damage, and help your dentist restore your smile.
What Causes a Broken Tooth?
Teeth are strong, but they’re not invincible. A broken tooth can happen for several reasons:
- Accidents and Injuries: A fall, a sporting mishap, or biting into something unexpectedly hard can cause a tooth to crack or break.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities weaken the tooth’s structure, making it more prone to fractures.
- Grinding Teeth (Bruxism): Constant clenching or grinding wears down enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable.
- Chewing Hard Foods: Ice, hard lollies, and unpopped popcorn kernels can push a weakened tooth past its limit.
Understanding these causes can help you take steps to protect your teeth.
What to Do Immediately
If you break a tooth, follow these steps before seeing your Penrith dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris and reduce infection risk.
- Apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth if there is bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to minimise pain and swelling.
- Save any broken pieces in milk or saliva in case they can be reattached.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods.
These steps can help protect your tooth until you get professional care.
When to See a Dentist and Treatment Options
A broken tooth should be assessed by a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, treatment options include:
- Dental Bonding: For small chips or cracks.
- Crowns: To protect and strengthen larger breaks.
- Root Canal Therapy: If the break exposes the nerve.
- Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved.
At Tindale Dental Penrith, we offer same-day emergency appointments to ensure you get the care you need promptly.
Preventing Broken Teeth
While accidents happen, you can reduce the risk of a broken tooth by:
- Avoiding excessively hard foods.
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to keep teeth strong.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups.
Make an appointment as soon as possible with your family Penrith dental centre
A broken tooth can be painful, but prompt action can prevent further complications. If you’ve broken a tooth, contact our caring Tindale Dental clinic today. Our experienced Penrith dentists are here to restore your smile and get you out of pain and back to enjoying life!