A tooth that chips, cracks, or breaks can hurt a lot. Teeth can sustain damage in a variety of ways, and the extent of the damage varies depending on the source and condition of the tooth damage.
For damage larger than a small chip, no long-term solution is available without first seeing a dentist. In the interim, managing the discomfort and safeguarding your tooth and oral tissues from additional harm is the most effective action. If you need help fixing your broken teeth, consult a Pacific Beach dental practice today.
What happens when a tooth breaks?
You can do a few things to safeguard your teeth and mouth, even though dentists advise against performing dental repairs on your own for broken teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises people to rinse their mouths with warm water to help reduce inflammation and partially halt bleeding from brushing a damaged tooth. People can also use ice packs after warm water to ensure double safety.
Locate the fractured tooth fragment, cover it with moist gauze, and bring it to the dentist.
How can one respond to losing a tooth?
If it has come loose from its socket, try to reposition the tooth by grasping it by the crown with a gauze pad.
You can give the tooth a water rinse if it appears to be dirty. Avoid using any scrubber or other cleaning solution and wiping off tissue fragments.
If you cannot get it into the socket, put it in a cup of milk, salt solution, or water. Attempt to see the dentist in half an hour.
Chipped tooth pain relief
Rinse your mouth with hot water and apply ice packs to the outside area of your mouth every few minutes to help reduce swelling.
Clove oil is another option for the affected area. Eugenol, an anesthetic with anti-inflammatory qualities, is present in the oil.
How can you protect your mouth until you get to a dentist?
You can cover the jagged edge of a small chipped tooth with dental wax to prevent it from cutting your tongue or breaking your mouth. If you have a big chip in your tooth or a portion missing, you shouldn’t floss because you risk breaking off more of the tooth.
Dental wax is included in OTC temporary kits sold in many pharmacies.
To ease pressure and discomfort, try flossing near the tooth rather than chewing on the side that has the damage.
