It’s possible to break a tooth if you play contact sports, receive an injury to the face or head, or when you bite into something exceptionally hard. The important thing is not to panic, and to act quickly to save the tooth. Dr. David Dane is an emergency dentist at the Emergency Dental Center in New York City, and he can help you in these situations.
The first thing you need to do is to call your New York City emergency dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If the break is severe, you will need to see a dentist within 24 hours. In the meantime, follow these steps:
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or warm saltwater.
- Apply a cold compress to your face.
- If the broken tooth is bleeding, place a small piece of gauze to absorb the blood.
- Us an over-the-counter pain reliever to eliminate discomfort.
How to Avoid Broken Teeth
Strong, healthy teeth are much less likely to break, so you should maintain a healthy dental hygiene routine. You can also:
- Wear a mouthguard if you practice contact sports
- Avoid chewing hard foods such as ice or popcorn kernels
- Avoid using your teeth to tear or open things
- Avoid abrupt temperature changes in your mouth
- Stop grinding your teeth
- Prevent large fillings that can affect the integrity of the tooth
Sometimes a broken tooth is unavoidable, for instance, in the case of a fall or vehicle accident. However, practicing good oral hygiene and oral safety can reduce your risk.
If you live in New York City and you need an emergency dentist, call (646) 992-0930 to request an appointment here at Emergency Dental Center.