Accidents happen. Sometimes, they lead to painful outcomes including broken teeth. If you or your child has a broken tooth, take a moment to call a dentist right away. Broken teeth can be very painful and they can become infected if not properly taken care of soon enough. Even though teeth are very strong and generally can withstand being hit or otherwise jarred around, they are very commonly injured.

In some cases, biting down too hard, being hit too hard in the face or mouth, having a weakened tooth resulting from cavities or bone loss, or even falling can cause it. But, what do you do when it happens?

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Often times, a tooth will crack. If this occurs, only a small portion of the tooth falls off. The area may be jagged and rough. In some cases, the edges can be sharp enough to cut your lip or tongue. In some cases, there is pain but in others there is not. When there is pain, this indicates that there is damage to the blood vessels or the nerve in the tooth. This warrants seeing a dentist as soon as possible.

Broken Teeth

Broken teeth are more extensive. There is no way to treat these types of broken or cracked teeth at home, but your dentist can help. While you wait to see your dentist, consider the following steps:

• Rinse the mouth out with warm water. This allows for a flushing of the bacteria present.
• If it is bleeding, apply a clean piece of gauze to the area and hold down on it. This pressure will encourage clotting and stop the bleeding. It should stop within 10 minutes.
• Apply a cold pack to the lips or check over the tooth. This can reduce swelling and reduce pain.
• If you cannot get in to the dentist right away, use an over the counter dental cement product to cover the broken tooth. This will help to stop the pain from nerve exposure.
• Over the counter pain relievers are also highly effective.

Dentists can often repair and treat both the broken tooth and the underlying cause. However, you should not wait to be seen by a dentist. Instead contact the best dentist in Staten Island at 718-535-1196 to get the treatment and care you need as soon as possible. You can restore your smile.