Even though your teeth can withstand a lot— a punch on the face, chewing on ice, extreme dental work, and more— they can still crack and chip. And, the funny thing about cracked teeth is that they can happen when you least expect it and by doing something you’ve done a million times before— like biting into an apple or something hard. So, other than calling our office right away, what can you do if you have a cracked tooth?
Rinse With Warm Water
The first thing you should do if you get a cracked or broken tooth is to rinse your mouth with warm water. The warm water will help clean the tooth, get rid of some bacteria, and help to dislodge any little pieces that may be trapped in your mouth.
Apply Gauze
If your tooth or gums are bleeding, try applying a clean compress like some clean gauze to the area for about 10 minutes. The pressure will help to stop the bleeding before you know it.
Use Dental Cement
If you are unable to come into our Mcdowell Dental Group office for a few days, we may tell you to apply some dental cement over the chipped or broken tooth. Sold at drugstores, dental cement will help prevent your tooth from chipping more and will make sure that your tongue doesn’t get cut on any sharp or jagged edges.
Take Some OTC Pain Medication
A sudden impact to the mouth or any blunt force that may have caused your chipped or cracked tooth can leave you with a literal mouthful of pain. To help ease the pain and any swelling, try taking over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatory until you come into our office for your appointment.
A chipped or broken tooth can happen to anyone— especially if you were involved in a sports or automobile accident. The best thing you can in this situation is to schedule an appointment at our Abington office. Ready to learn more about your dental health and how to take better care of your teeth? Call us today: (215) 885-0555.
