Dental injuries can be scary and happen quickly, especially damage to your tooth. Damaged or broken teeth can happen to anyone, so knowing how to react and what to do with a broken tooth is important. Accidents can happen during sports, while driving, and even on the job. Below you will find information on how to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy and what to do if you end up with a broken tooth.
What to Do with a Broken Tooth
Breaks, chips, and teeth completely falling out can happen despite using caution. Your teeth are made up of two distinct outer layers: the enamel and the other is dentin. Your enamel doesn’t have any nerves or blood vessels, so damage to the enamel won’t be painful for you. However, the second layer of your teeth is called dentin, and it can cause pain. Behind the dentin is the pulp of your tooth, which can definitely cause pain as well. Exposed dentin or pulp can cause your tooth to hurt once they hit the air. The exposure is worrisome as it is vulnerable to bacteria and infection.
With that in mind, if you experience a broken or chipped tooth, you should be sure to follow the action plan for a broken tooth below.
Gather the Pieces:
If you can find the broken pieces, gather them immediately. The sooner the better for your oral health and the possibility of fixing your tooth. Once you have gathered the pieces, put them in a dry and clean container, and bring it with you to the dentist.
Address the Tooth:
Rinse your mouth out with warm water to remove anything that may have gotten inside during the injury. Use a cold pack on the outside of your mouth on the area where the tooth is located. This helps with swelling and can prevent further damage.
Make an Appointment:
Your best option is to get an appointment immediately. Despite dental offices usually being open during business hours only, many offer emergency dentistry. Contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible, as the sooner you get treated the better the possible outcome will be.
Dental Injuries and Preventative Care
Dental injuries and emergencies can happen to anyone. One of the most important factors when it comes to dental injuries is getting treatment as soon as possible. However, before dental injuries happen there are ways to strengthen your teeth and ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape. Maintaining a healthy oral care routine is key to sustaining the long-term health of your teeth.
It’s important to brush regularly (at least twice a day) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. You should incorporate flossing at least once a day and if you only floss once a day, do it before bed. Most dentists recommend that you get checkups every six months, but you may need them more often, depending on your unique dental needs. Diet and daily habits also play a huge role in your oral health. For example, smoking can drastically impact the health of your teeth and gums. Sugary foods and drinks can also be harmful. Eating a healthy diet and drinking lots of water can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Lastly, you should consult with your dentist about what you can do to maintain good oral health in between visits.
Beverly Hills Endodontics
If you have experienced a dental emergency or need to get a checkup, contact Dr. Maz Ebrahimi at Maz Endodontics. Dr. Maz Ebrahimi and his team are focused on putting the patient first and ensuring you leave with your dental issues taken care of. He and his provide a wide variety of dentistry services, including emergency dentistry. Contact his office today!
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