What causes a broken tooth?
A cracked or broken tooth can be caused or contributed to by:
A fall or blow to the face
Biting into a hard substance
A compulsive chewing habit (ie. chewing ice or pens)
Bruxism (excessive clenching or grinding)
Decaying teeth
Health conditions and certain medications that weaken teeth
Does poor dental care contribute to chipped teeth?
While many instances of tooth damage are a result of a blow to the face or some other isolated incident, poor oral care can actually make your teeth more vulnerable to cracking or breaking. Poor oral hygiene, like irregular brushing and flossing, allows plaque and bacteria to build up on the teeth. This leads to weakened enamel, cavities, and tooth decay, which make your teeth more susceptible to breaking.
To help prevent a broken tooth, be sure to keep up on your routine dental cleanings!
Managing a broken tooth at home
Until you can visit your dentist, there are some things you can do at home to both alleviate discomfort and protect your mouth.
- Take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Use an icepack on the outside of your face to reduce any swelling.
- Gargle mouthwash or salt water to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.
- Use a dental wax on the tooth to protect your mouth from sharp edges.
Not sure if your tooth is broken or cracked? That’s what we’re here for. Give us a call at (816) 429-5799.
What’s the dentist’s process for broken or cracked tooth repair?
Step 1
Step 2
Get an exam, diagnosis, and custom treatment plan
Step 3
Begin treatment and learn how to prevent damaged teeth in the future
Common treatments for broken or cracked teeth:
Dental implants
Dental fillings
Crowns
Veneers
Common questions about chipped tooth repair
How do you know your tooth is damaged?
While some instances of tooth damage are easily felt or seen, like a significant chip on a front tooth, other damage may not be as obvious. For example, a minor crack in a molar may not be visible. Some common signs that your tooth is cracked, chipped, or otherwise broken are:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Pain while chewing
- Inconsistent tooth pain that comes and goes
- Inflamed gums around the possibly damaged tooth
How do you prevent a broken tooth in the future?
Once you’ve had a cracked or broken tooth repaired, not only will that tooth be more susceptible to future damage, but you may have figured out that your teeth are at higher risk of breaking in general. Here are some ways to prevent tooth damage in the future:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Schedule regular dental exams to assess the health of your teeth.
- Seek treatment to eliminate grinding and jaw clenching habits.
- Avoid using your teeth to hold items or open packages.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
Hear from our patients
“I had an amazing experience. I have been to several offices, but this one really blew me away. I was beyond impressed with every detail of my visit.”
“I have a history of disliking dentists. I’ve had a lot of pain and a lot and a lot of procedures done. And when I went to Dr. Jesse I had a painless experience for the first time and that just really changed things for me.“
“My experience at Jackson Family Dental has been one of great professionalism and great service. They have the technology and everything you’re looking for in a dentist. But the thing that really keeps me and my family coming back are the relationships we’ve built.“
Schedule your cleaning & exam
Even if it’s been years since your last cleaning, we’d love to see you. There’s no judgement here, just a team dedicated to your oral health. Call (816) 429-5799 to schedule a visit today.
Our Liberty office
Kansas City, MO 64157
Jackson Family Dental is conveniently located right off of Route 152. Enjoy our spa-like atmosphere and family-friendly approach. We look forward to seeing you!
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