How To Fix a Broken Tooth at Home

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, harder even than your bones. Hard as your teeth are, they’re no match for the stress of car accidents, sports collisions, trips-and-falls, playground roughhousing, or even just biting down on some hard candy. 

Chipped, broken, and dislodged teeth are common. Each scenario can be very painful and can result in serious dental issues that will need dental attention — sometimes urgently. We’ll break down what you should do if the unfortunate happens. Soundview Family Dental can help with every consequence of a chipped, cracked, broken, or dislodged tooth. 

 

 

What to do if you break or chip a tooth?

The damage that you can do to your teeth runs the gamut from a tiny chip or crack to snapping a tooth or having one completely dislodged. As for how to respond immediately and what you should do next, there are a lot of things in common, but we’ll consider them separately: chipped and cracked teeth; and broken and dislodged teeth.

Chipped and cracked teeth

Chips and cracks are common, and most often occur when you’re chewing or biting something hard or doing something you shouldn’t be doing with your teeth — like trying to open a bottle. Depending on the location of the chip and depth of the crack, you may experience pain or simply notice a sharp edge or unexpected crunching sound in your mouth.

As soon as you identify you’ve cracked or chipped a tooth, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean any food debris away from the area. If you can salvage any chips, wrap them up in moist gauze. 

Unless you’re experiencing significant pain or bleeding, a chipped or mildly cracked tooth is not generally a dental emergency. For mild pain or discomfort, use a cold compress (or ice or frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel) and over the counter pain medication. If you’d prefer a natural remedy, you can apply clove oil or even a wet peppermint tea bag to the sore area for some relief. 

While small chips and cracks are not emergencies, you should still contact your dentist to tell them what happened. Describe the location and depth of the damage and the symptoms you’ve experienced. Your dentist will know your dental history, including any tooth decay or particular vulnerability to infection. Chips and cracks are potential invitations to tooth decay and bacterial infection and maybe much more significant than they appear to you in your mirror. Your dentist will recommend whether to come in for a follow-up appointment and how quickly. 

Broken and dislodged teeth

If your tooth has broken or become completely dislodged from your mouth, you’re dealing with a dental emergency. There are some things to do immediately but, once they’re been dealt with, the next step is to call an emergency dentist for an assessment and appointment as soon as they recommend. Your goal should be to get in touch with a dentist within 30 minutes. 

If you can find the broken piece of your tooth, or the whole tooth that was knocked out of your mouth, try to salvage it so that your dentist has the option of restoring it to your mouth if possible. If you find the broken or dislodged tooth, rinse it very gently but be careful not to wash away or detach any tissue or material that is still attached to it. 

If your tooth was knocked right out, place it back into its socket if you can do so without forcing it and without any risk of swallowing it. If you’ve broken off just a piece, or putting the whole tooth back into its socket is not an option, then put it in a clean container with milk, saline solution, or saliva and take it to the dentist with you when you go. 

A broken or dislodged tooth is going to hurt, and may result in some swelling and bleeding. You can minimize the swelling and bleeding by holding a wet compress against the gap in your jaw or even against the outside of your face on the affected side. If you don’t have a cold compress, make one by wrapping a clean cloth around some ice or a small bag of frozen peas.

An emergency dentist will help you with the pain right away but, until then, take over the counter pain medication. When swallowing the pills, be careful not to let them come into contact with the inflamed gums around your damaged tooth. Those pills can burn that inflamed gum tissue. 

 

 

Temporarily fixing a chipped tooth

You may notice a sharp or jagged edge or corner of your tooth where the chip came off. That sharp or jagged edge creates a risk that you may bite the inside of your cheek or tongue accidentally. Those accidental nicks can be uncomfortable and raise the risk of infection. While waiting to go to the dentist, you can protect yourself from that sharp edge in a couple of ways.

Many drugstores sell emergency dental kits that include paraffin wax. You can soften some paraffin wax between your fingers and then place it over and around the chipped tooth to provide some protection. If you’re all out of paraffin wax, you can also use chewing gum — sugarless! — in the same way. 

What NOT to do at home

We can wrap this section up in section in five easy words — don’t pretend you’re a dentist. There are a few more don'ts to add. Don’t try to smooth down the edge of a jagged tooth with a file or sandpaper. Enamel and the dentin beneath it are important substances to your oral health, and dentists can preserve them while fixing a chipped or broken tooth. DIY tooth contouring is very likely to make a chip or crack worse than better and may introduce bacteria to the damaged area.

Don’t try to pull a broken tooth or a nearly dislodged tooth with pliers or any other tools. You’ll complicate the situation by causing infections and cause yourself an incredible amount of pain. Your dentist will assess what needs to happen next and is trained and equipped to do what is necessary painlessly and without causing infection. 

Finally, don’t assume that the chip or crack is as small as it looks to you. Your dentist knows the structure of your teeth intimately, and can even take images to see whether the crack or chip is threatening the integrity of your tooth altogether. If the crack or chip is worse than it looks, you want the dentist to know that as soon as possible so they can act quickly to preserve your tooth and oral health. 

When is it an emergency?

Broken or dislodged teeth are always emergencies. Even if you experience no other symptoms, contact an emergency dentist if you’ve suffered a broken or dislodged tooth. If your tooth is merely cracked or chipped, call the dentist when it is convenient to do so for their advice and assessment. But if you experience any of the following symptoms after suffering a cracked or chipped tooth, contact an emergency dentist: persistent or worsening bleeding; persistent or worsening swelling; fever; or a metallic taste in your mouth.

See professional help even after home care

The home remedies for chipped, cracked, broken, and dislodged teeth are not permanent solutions. They’re just ways of responding in the moment, to buy you time until you see a dentist.  Do not underestimate the importance of your teeth — even baby teeth — to your overall health. Your dentist will take all steps necessary to eliminate pain, restore your teeth if possible, offer alternative solutions such as implants if your tooth cannot be restored, and protect you from any risk of infection.

Chipped, cracked, broken, and dislodged teeth are unfortunately very common. So too are the complications of all those issues — including unnecessary permanent loss of natural teeth, loss of dental function, and infections. The good news is, all of those complications can be avoided by acting quickly and getting timely support from a dentist. If you’ve suffered a chipped, cracked, broke, or dislodged tooth, contact us so we can help you immediately.

 

The post How To Fix a Broken Tooth at Home is republished from: www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

What are the Different Types of Braces?

Whether you are looking to improve the look of your smile, or to treat dental misalignments or other functional concerns, the main treatment option your orthodontist turns to is braces. When people think of braces, they often think of traditional metal braces covering the teeth. But that’s not your only option. Oftentimes, your orthodontist may recommend non-traditional braces to treat your concerns and help improve your smile. 

 

 

Why Do You Need Braces?

Braces are a highly effective treatment option designed to adjust and repair a variety of dental concerns, all while helping to improve your smile. While traditional metal braces were the only option for many years, advances in dentistry now offer many different treatment options. Your unique dental concerns play a role in determining which type of braces will provide you with the best results. 

How Do You Know if You Need Braces?

At Soundview Family Dental, we recommend that you see your dentist every six months for regular dental exams, starting at an early age. This allows the dentist to closely monitor your dental health and evaluate any potential concerns that may require orthodontic treatment with braces. While treatment with braces during childhood is best for some concerns, many orthodontic treatments require the loss of all baby teeth first.

Some common conditions addressed by braces include:

• Crowded teeth
• Missing teeth or increased space between teeth
• Overbites or underbites
• Teeth that do not align or meet correctly
• Disproportion of the jaw or teeth
• Incorrect jaw position
• Jaw disorders
• Difficulty chewing food due to improper dental alignment
• Breathing issues
• Early or late baby teeth development
• Late or delayed adult teeth development

 

 

Different Types of Braces?

As we have mentioned, orthodontic treatment with braces goes far beyond the idea of traditional metal braces. While metal braces are still the best treatment option for some conditions, there are a variety of different options available. Together, with your orthodontist, you will decide which type of braces will work best for you. This can include any of the following options.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces use metal brackets that attach directly to the teeth. Wire then attaches to each bracket by the use of elastic bands. During your treatment, the orthodontist adjusts the wires and replaces the bands to slowly move your teeth into the desired location. Traditional metal braces are typically the least expensive treatment option, while often being the most effective. Despite the development of new treatment options, metal braces are still the option most used for treatment. Unfortunately, they are also the most noticeable treatment option. This leaves many people self-conscious about their appearance and looking for alternative treatment options. Additionally, because these brackets attach directly to your teeth, you must use caution with certain foods, such as hard candy or sticky foods, as they can damage the brackets and wires.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are similar to both traditional and ceramic braces, but with a slight twist. While metal and ceramic braces utilize elastic bands to attach the wire to the brackets, the brackets used with self-ligating braces have a spring-loaded door that holds the wire in place. This eliminates the need for elastic bands and can make adjustments quicker and easier for the orthodontist. The elimination of elastic reduces the risk of trapped food which can contribute to plaque formation. In addition, self-ligating brackets can either be metal or clear, offering a less visible option. However, while the brackets can be clear, the wire is still traditional metal. 

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are like traditional braces and use metal brackets and wires. The only difference is these braces go on the inside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. While more aesthetically pleasing, these braces are less effective and unable to treat more serious alignment concerns. They can also cause discomfort for some as they come in direct contact with the tongue. Because of their placement, they are also more difficult to clean and maintain. They can also make eating difficult and certain foods can cause damage.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work in the same manner as traditional metal braces. The only difference is that instead of metal brackets attached to each tooth, the brackets are made from a ceramic material designed to blend with the natural color of your teeth. In some cases, even the wires used can match your natural tooth color. This makes them much less noticeable. Unfortunately, this difference also makes them much more expensive than traditional braces. Additionally, if you do not thoroughly clean and care for the brackets during treatment, they may become discolored and stained. Like traditional braces, you must also avoid certain foods that can damage your brackets and wires.

Clear and Removable Braces

Clear and removable braces, such as the brand Invisalign, are a completely different option for orthodontic treatment. While the previous braces we mentioned attach directly to your teeth, this option does not. Instead, these types of braces use a series of custom-fit clear plastic aligners that you place over your teeth. You can remove them to eat and to clean your teeth. Every two weeks or more throughout your treatment period, you replace the aligner with a slightly different aligner designed to slowly move your teeth into the desired position. These differences make them more appealing to many as they are invisible to others and they allow you to eat and drink anything you choose without the risk of damage.

Unfortunately, while these may seem like the ideal option, there are disadvantages associated with clear aligners. They can only correct minor to moderate dental concerns, and are only available for teenagers and adults - not younger children. Because you can remove these aligners, there is the risk of accidental loss, and replacement aligners can be costly. The fact that you can remove the aligners also increases your responsibility for treatment. You must always wear the aligners, aside from eating and cleaning. Forgetting to wear an aligner for a day or longer can increase the duration needed for your treatment.

 

Making the Decision to Start Orthodontic Treatment with Braces

When your dentist recommends a consultation with an orthodontist, knowing your options for braces allows you to work with them to determine which treatment option will work best for you. While each available form of braces cannot treat every condition, in many cases, you do have options and your orthodontist will work with you to find the braces that fit your needs.

The blog post What are the Different Types of Braces? is republished from: https://www.soundviewfamilydental.com/

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

What Does a Cavity Look Like?

Cavities are a common dental problem. Everyone is likely to suffer from a cavity at some point in their lifetime. While cavities are a common dental condition, knowing the signs of a cavity can help you seek early treatment and avoid possible tooth loss. In addition, understanding what causes a cavity can help reduce your risk of having a cavity, and prevent dental damage that cavities can cause. At Soundview Family Dental, we encourage regular dental care, dental exams, and fluoride treatments to reduce your risk of cavities. But, when you think you may have a cavity, we’re also here to help.

 

 

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is the destruction of the outer layer of the tooth, or the enamel. This destruction exposes your inner tooth to damage and, if left untreated, cavities can lead to complete tooth loss. You’ve probably heard that regular brushing and flossing, especially after meals, can help reduce your risk of developing a cavity. But why does that make a difference? To better understand this, let’s look at what causes a cavity and how they form.

 

How Does a Cavity Form?

When you eat and drink, you’re not just feeding your body. Your mouth is filled with naturally occurring bacteria, and when you eat or drink, you are also feeding that bacteria. This is especially true when you eat foods and beverages high in sugars and starches. When food and drink particles remain on or stuck between your teeth, the bacteria feed on it. When this occurs, it creates a clear sticky film known as plaque. If the plaque remains on your teeth, it can harden into a substance known as tartar or calculus. This can occur under or above the gum line. This tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and becomes a shield for bacteria.

Plaque is very acidic and works to remove minerals in the enamel of your teeth. This creates tiny openings in the enamel that expose the dentin, or inner surface of the tooth. When this occurs, bacteria can enter the dentin and further damage your tooth, often resulting in tooth sensitivity or pain. If left untreated, bacteria will continue to move deeper into the tooth until it reaches the pulp where the nerve endings and blood vessels are. This can lead to extreme pain and swelling.

While cavities can occur anywhere on a tooth, there are areas that are more prone to cavity development. These include:

• Chewing surfaces of the molars – these surfaces have grooves and crevices that can trap food particles and increase the risk of bacteria growth.
• Between your teeth – food particles can easily become trapped between teeth and increase the risk of bacterial growth. This is one reason flossing is so important.
• Near the gum surface – At the bottom of your teeth, near the gumline, is an area where bacteria can collect.

 

 

Visible Signs That You May Have a Cavity

A cavity is a hole in your tooth. However, cavities are not always visible to the naked eye. Even a small hole can be enough to let bacteria in. In many cases, you may experience symptoms of a cavity before you can even see them. However, there are physical signs that can indicate the presence of a cavity. These can include:

• Tooth Discoloration – In many cases, tooth decay and cavities lead to tooth discoloration. If you are noticing a slight color change or a dark area forming on the surface of a tooth, chances are you may have a developing cavity.
• Black Spots or Holes - In the early stages of a cavity, there is often little to no discoloration. However, as a cavity progresses, you may see black spots on the surface of your tooth or open holes in your tooth.

If caught early, cavities can be treated with fillings. However, extensive tooth damage can lead to the need for a root canal and crown in order to save the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can lead to complete tooth loss.

 

Other Signs That You May Have a Cavity

While the previously discussed physical changes to your teeth can be signs of a cavity, often you will experience symptoms of dental decay long before you can visibly see a cavity. While everyone’s experiences are different, some signs of a possible cavity can include the following symptoms.

Sensitive Teeth

As cavities develop, they create tiny holes in the enamel of your tooth. These holes expose the dentin of your teeth. With the dentin exposed, you can experience tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. These foods can stimulate cells and nerves within the dentin that can lead to discomfort.

Toothaches or Headaches

Toothaches or regular headaches can often be the first sign of a cavity. As the cavity exposes the dentin and nerves of your teeth, this can lead to discomfort. When left untreated, a cavity can cause an infection or abscess in the tooth. This can contribute to pain, pressure, and swelling in your tooth or surrounding gum tissue. In some cases, this can contribute to severe headaches or pain and pressure in your ear.

Pain When Eating

While a constant toothache doesn’t always occur, you may experience pain when chewing and eating. As the bacteria eats away at your tooth, it can cause swelling and inflammation. When you bite down or chew, this places additional pressure on already swollen tissue and can result in pain or discomfort.

 

 

Cavity Prevention

While cavities are a common dental concern, there are things that you can do to reduce the risk of cavity development. These include:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene – This includes regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. This is especially important after eating to help remove food and beverages that contribute to cavity development. If you are at high risk for cavities, your dentist may also recommend regular use of a fluoride rinse.
• Get Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings – Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor potential issues before they contribute to cavity development or treat cavities early. Regular cleanings help to reduce plaque and tartar on the teeth. During a cleaning, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment.
• Consider Dental Sealants – Dental sealants provide a protective layer to the chewing surface of the teeth. Sealants do not last forever and may need reapplication every few years.
• Drink Tap Water – Many community water supplies contain added fluoride which can help to reduce tooth decay.
• Avoid Frequent Snacking and Sugary Drinks – If you frequently snack or sip sugary drinks throughout the day, you increase your risk of bacterial growth that can contribute to cavity formation. Consider sipping water throughout the day, limiting your snacks, or brushing your teeth after snacking.
• Eat Foods Good for Your Teeth – Instead of reaching for a candy bar at snack time, consider foods that benefit your teeth. For example, fruits and vegetables help to stimulate the flow of saliva. This helps wash away food particles and helps to decrease the risk of bacterial growth. Sugar-free gum is also a great alternative that helps remove food particles from the surface of your teeth.

 

At Soundview Family Dental, your dental health is our number one priority. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if you think you may have a cavity, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

The post What Does a Cavity Look Like? was first published to: www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location