A Broken Tooth Need to Be Addressed Right Away

Broken teeth can be an issue at any age, but it is far more prevalent among senior adults. This is because teeth tend, like the rest of the body, to deteriorate with age. If you have practiced good oral hygiene, eaten well and paid regular visits to your dentist, chances are broken teeth are not going to be a major issue for you.

However, if you have had a tooth break, whether due to aging, an unfortunate accident or a lost filling, you need to have it corrected right away. If it is left untended, the tooth will further erode. Also, there is a greater threat of decay as the broken teeth are exposed to chewing, lodged pieces of food, or sugars that can hasten decay.

While waiting for your appointment, it's important that you brush the area of the break thoroughly as well as rinse often to wash out any unwanted particles of food.

In the case of an accident, such as when playing sports with a perhaps overly vigorous opponent, if possible retrieve the tooth or piece of tooth. Hold it by the crown, not the roots. If possible, put it back in place and get to a dentist immediately. This qualifies as a dental emergency. If corrected within 30 minutes and re-implanted, there is a good chance the tooth will survive and grow.

If you cannot put it back where it came from, tuck it in your cheek or store it in a container of milk until you are able to get to the dentist. The human body has an amazing capacity to heal itself and this is just one example of that fact.

In summary, if you break a tooth or lose a filling, or need to repair a broken tooth, get to a dentist as soon as possible so the cavity does not spread or the tooth should die. Follow the instructions above to possibly save a broken tooth.