What Can I Do for a Fractured Tooth?

The health of your teeth is down to several different things: the type of bacteria that thrive in your mouth, the development of plaque and tartar, the health of your gums, and how frequently you practice dental hygiene. Looking in the mirror, you see your teeth in the upper section covered by enamel. Several problems can get under it that affect the dentin, pulp, root, and nerves, leading to chips, cracks, decay, and tooth loss.

Fractured or cracked teeth can result from several internal and external problems, and how you deal with them is based on the cause and extent of the damage. To learn more about this form of tooth damage, let’s explore the common causes of fractured teeth, how to avoid them, and when you need help.

If you live in the Brea or Banning, California, area and are dealing with fractured teeth or worse, you can get help from Dr. Ayed Hawatmeh and his team at Bravo Dental Group.

Common causes of fractured teeth

When damage to a tooth causes a fracture, it falls under one of five categories: a cracked tooth where it runs into the gumline, a hairline crack (craze line), which are thin cracks on your enamel, cracks around a dental filling (fractured cusp), a split tooth, or a vertical fracture. The last two run below the gumline; vertical fractures crack below it and move upward.

Tooth decay is a common problem and leads to several issues, including cracks, splits, breaks, and teeth falling out, but many other concerns can lead to fractured teeth:

• Eating foods hard on your teeth: Hard candy, ice, and popcorn kernels can damage teeth and cause cracks.
• Teeth grinding: Called bruxism, this can result from stress, is something you may do in your sleep not realizing it, and wears down teeth, leading to fractures.
• Dental injury: Accidents, falls, colliding with someone or something during sports, or other physical trauma can crack, break, or loosen teeth.
• Age: The chances of fractured teeth increase in people 50 and over.
• Dental treatments: Procedures that can weaken teeth, like large fillings and root canals, can lead to fractures if a crown doesn’t protect it.

How you can prevent them

Injury and other problems can affect teeth. Some things you can do to lower your risk of fractures, cracks, and breaks include avoiding eating hard foods that can harm teeth, keeping teeth strong by practicing good hygiene and wearing a mouthguard during sporting events and other intense physical activity. 

If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, clean your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress on your cheek to reduce pain and inflammation. Take any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and make an appointment as soon as possible.

When you should get help

Since you can’t fix a fractured tooth at home, getting medical attention is essential if you think there’s a problem. In general, you need our help if you’re dealing with intermittent pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, pain when biting down on foods, and swelling on the gums around the tooth. We can get medical imaging to determine whether or not you need fillings, dental bondings, a crown, a root canal, or other treatment options.

Get fractured teeth treated as soon as possible to avoid bacteria getting in the tooth and making things worse. Contact us and make an appointment with Dr. Hawatmeh and his team at Bravo Dental Group today.