Oh no! It looks like you’ve cracked a tooth!
If you have ever been snacking on ice or a piece of hard candy when you notice something hard in your mouth that won’t melt or dissolve, only to realize it is a piece of broken tooth, you know the sick and panicked feeling. Fortunately, a cracked tooth is relatively easy to fix. While the enamel that covers teeth is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the body, it is not invincible, and can become cracked or be prone to cracking in certain instances. However, there is no reason to panic. Here’s how to care for a cracked tooth.
Get To Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
If your tooth is chipped, cracked, broken, or fractured, it is incredibly important that you get to your dentist as soon as possible. A tooth in this condition is vulnerable to all sorts of damage and infection, which can be hard and expensive to fix the longer you wait. Be sure to be proactive about getting to your dentist in order to avoid more expensive, invasive, or painful problems and procedures down the road.
Home Care In The Meantime
If you can’t get in to see your dentist to take care of your cracked tooth for a day or so, there are some at home steps you can take in the meantime. If you are experiencing pain, an over the counter pain reliever can be helpful, as well as salt water rinses. If your cracked tooth has a jagged or sharp ege, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to prevent it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your mouth. Eat soft foods and liquids and avoid biting down on your cracked tooth.
Get In Touch With Olney Dental Today
Interested in learning more about how dentistry can make your smile happier? Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. We can help you to get your teeth back to their normal, beautiful selves. Check out our whitening page for more information on whitening. If you’re looking forcosmetic work, then we can help with that too! Scared of the dentist? Don’t worry. We cater to cowards! Our methods are designed to put even the most frightened patients at ease in the chair. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media. We can’t wait to see you on your next visit!