Teeth can break due to many different factors, such as chewing on ice, biting into something hard, grinding your teeth at night, cavities, trauma to the mouth, and more. Some people may break or chip a tooth without even realizing it! So what exactly should you do if you've chipped or broken a tooth? Let's go over the proper steps.
Call Your Dentist
First things first, don't try to "temporarily" fix it yourself! When it comes to your teeth, never take matters into your own hands and try to fix the chipped or fractured tooth with superglue or other household products! DIY methods can lead to infection and further damage. Call your dentist right away. If you think your tooth is broken, it's best to contact Dr. Firouzi at the Center for Exceptional Dentistry immediately. Depending on the situation, Dr. Firouzi specializes in cosmetic dentistry and can help fix chipped or broken teeth through bonding, fillings, or other procedures.
Save Your Tooth
If applicable, save your tooth while you're waiting for your appointment. Gently rinse the tooth with cold water and place it back in the mouth. If the tooth has been knocked out of your mouth, try to put it back in its original position as soon as possible—even if you can't keep it moist or clean.
Keep Oral Hygiene in Mind
Take care of your mouth! Be gentle with your tooth if it's still in your mouth. If you are experiencing any pain, swelling, or discomfort, take over-the-counter medication for relief until you can be seen by a dentist. Make sure to rinse your mouth out with cold water to help ease any pain.
Protect the Rest of Your Mouth
If you have knocked out your tooth, but it's still in the same piece, use your fingers to cover both your upper and lower teeth to protect them from any additional injury or contamination. If the tooth is broken into pieces, keep the remaining parts covered with gauze (and moist if possible) to prevent further damage until you see a dentist.
See a Dentist
Once your mouth has been protected, see your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait on treating a broken or chipped tooth, the more likely it is for the injury to worsen.
Let Us Help You
Tooth damage can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Dr. Firouzi at the Center for Exceptional Dentistry specializes in chipped teeth solutions making his office an excellent resource for those in need of relief. Visit our contact page here or call (412) 274-1126 today for more information.