Accidents happen, and sometimes they result in chipping or breaking a tooth. Of course, seeking professional dental care is essential. Nonetheless, knowing how to handle the situation at home can provide temporary relief.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to fix a chipped or broken tooth at home. Then, you can go on your merry way to see your dentist.
What to do when you chip your tooth or break it
Here are some immediate steps for a temporary fix for broken tooth until you can see your dentist:
1. Assess the damage
When you notice that something happened to your tooth, take a moment to assess the extent of the damage. Run your tongue over the affected tooth to feel for any rough or jagged edges.
If there’s damage or intense pain, it’s crucial to seek professional dental help promptly.
2. Rinse your mouth
Next, rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help remove any debris, blood, and lingering particles.
Be sure not to use hot water, as this could cause additional sensitivity and discomfort.
3. Control swelling (if applicable)
In some cases, chipped or broken teeth might lead to localized swelling.
To reduce this swelling, you can apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth. Then, place it on the outside of your cheek, near the damaged tooth.
Keep it on for about 15 minutes at a time, with short breaks in between, to prevent skin damage.
4. Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods
Until you get proper dental care, you must be cautious about what you eat and drink. Avoid consuming hot beverages or foods as they can cause sensitivity and pain.
Similarly, stay away from cold items that might exacerbate the discomfort. Additionally, refrain from consuming sugary foods or drinks. This is because they could lead to further irritation in the damaged area.
How to fix a chipped tooth at home
Chipping a tooth can be distressing. Fortunately, there are simple and safe home tooth repair methods you can try.
Here are some effective ways to fix a chipped tooth until you can visit your dentist:
1. Dental wax
If you’re wondering how to repair a cracked tooth at home, dental wax can be your ally. Smooth a small amount of dental wax over the chipped area to create a protective barrier.
This will shield your tongue and cheeks from any sharp edges. Additionally, it will also prevent further damage to the chipped tooth while you await professional dental care.
2. Temporary dental cement
Visit your local pharmacy to find temporary dental cement, which you can use for minor dental repairs at home. Read and follow the instructions carefully to apply the dental cement over the chipped portion of your tooth.
Just like dental wax, it will act as a sturdy buffer. As a result, it can hold the chipped fragment in place temporarily and protect the exposed area.
3. Saltwater rinse
Keeping the tooth clean is crucial for chipped tooth repair at home to prevent infection. Prepare a saltwater rinse by mixing ½ teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
Then, gently swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Make sure it reaches the chipped area. As such, this saline rinse will help keep the area clean and free from harmful bacteria.
4. Soft foods only
If you’re looking to fix a cracked tooth at home, avoid putting unnecessary pressure on it. To prevent further damage, stick to a soft-food diet.
You can opt for foods that are gentle on your teeth, like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies.
Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that could worsen the condition of the chipped tooth.
How to fix a broken tooth at home
If you find yourself with a broken tooth, there are a few simple steps you can take at home. This way, you can alleviate discomfort and protect the tooth until you can get general dentistry treatment.
Here are some effective temporary fixes for cracked tooth:
1. Dental cement or adhesive
You can also use dental cement or adhesive to manage a broken tooth at home. This will act as a temporary bonding agent. As such, it holds the broken piece in place until you can visit your dentist for a more permanent repair.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers
Dealing with a broken tooth can lead to discomfort and sensitivity. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful in managing pain until you can see your dentist.
Make sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions. Additionally, be mindful to avoid exceeding the stated limits.
Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief. However, remember that they are not a substitute for professional dental care.
3. Sugarless gum
Another option is sugarless gum. Soften the gum by chewing it for a few seconds. Then, take it out of your mouth and use a cotton swab or gauze to dry the broken tooth. Ensuring that the tooth is dry helps the gum stick better.
Now, place the softened gum over the broken tooth. Make sure to cover the sharp edges or exposed areas.
What happens if you chip your tooth?
A minor chip may seem inconsequential at first. However, it can lead to several potential issues if left untreated, even with temporary fixes for chipped tooth.
Here are five common consequences of a chipped tooth:
1. Sensitivity
When you chip your tooth, you compromise the protective layer of enamel covering the tooth. With this, the exposed dentin becomes more sensitive to temperature changes.
As a result, you may experience discomfort or pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. This sensitivity can be quite uncomfortable and may affect your eating and drinking habits.
2. Sharp edges
A chipped tooth can have rough or sharp edges where the break occurred. These jagged edges can cause irritation to your tongue, cheeks, and gums.
Moreover, you may accidentally graze these sharp areas while eating or speaking. As a result, it can give you sore spots and other potential injuries.
3. Tooth decay
Chipped teeth can pose a higher risk of tooth decay. The cracks and crevices provide a perfect hiding spot for bacteria and food particles.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, it can be challenging to thoroughly clean these areas. As a result, it heightens the accumulation of harmful bacteria and the development of cavities.
If left untreated, tooth decay can progress and may require more extensive dental treatments.
4. Weakening of the tooth
A chipped tooth may also compromise the structural integrity of the tooth. As such, this weakening can make the tooth more susceptible to further damage. this includes fracturing and breaking more extensively.
5. Aesthetic concerns
Beyond the functional issues, a chipped tooth can also affect your smile’s appearance. The visible damage can cause self-consciousness.
As a result, it can impact your confidence when speaking or smiling in public.
What happens if you break your tooth?
Unlike a chipped tooth, a broken tooth involves a more significant crack that extends beyond the enamel. As such, it could reach the dentin and even the tooth’s nerve.
The severity of a broken tooth can vary, but it may lead to several distressing consequences:
1. Severe pain
One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of a broken tooth is intense pain.
When the tooth breaks, the sensitive nerves within the tooth may become irritated. This can cause sharp and shooting pain.
Moreover, the level of pain can range from mild discomfort to excruciating agony. This depends on the extent of the fracture and the proximity of the nerve.
The pain can be triggered by various stimuli, such as air, cold or hot foods, and gentle pressure while biting.
2. Bleeding
Bleeding can occur if the break in the tooth extends to the gum line. Another scenario would be if there is significant trauma to the surrounding gum tissue.
The presence of blood can be alarming. Moreover, it can add to the discomfort and anxiety experienced due to the broken tooth. Control the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with clean gauze and seek dental attention promptly.
3. Difficulty chewing
A broken tooth can affect your ability to chew and eat comfortably. The fractured tooth may cause misalignment in your bite. As a result, you’ll have difficulty chewing and grinding food.
This may lead to avoiding certain foods and dietary restrictions. Consequently, this can potentially impact your nutrition and overall well-being.
4. Increased sensitivity
Beyond the immediate pain, a broken tooth can lead to heightened sensitivity. Exposed nerves and dentin can become highly sensitive to temperature changes.
As a result, this can cause discomfort or pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
5. Risk of infection
A broken tooth also creates an opening in the tooth’s protective layers. As such, it makes your mouth vulnerable to bacterial invasion, whether it’s in the wisdom tooth or another tooth.
Bacteria can lead to an infection within the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. Dental infections can cause additional pain and swelling.
Furthermore, if left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body and cause more damage.
Conclusion
Fixing a chipped or broken tooth at home is only a temporary solution. Even so, knowing how to fix cracked teeth at home can provide relief until you reach a dentist.
Remember to seek professional care from NoHo Family Dental for a permanent fix. Taking care of your oral health and being cautious can reduce the risk of such accidents in the future.
