If you have a cracked tooth in Blythewood, knowing what to do next can protect your mouth and help prevent the damage from getting worse

Fall treats like caramel apples, nuts, and hard candy can be tough on your teeth. One wrong bite may chip a weak tooth or cause a painful crack.

Call Blythewood Village Dentistry at 803-653-6331 for an appointment.

What Should You Do After Cracking a Tooth?

First things first: Stop chewing as soon as you notice pain, a sharp edge, or a broken piece. Gently rinse with warm water to remove bits of food and clean the area around the damaged tooth.

While you wait for dental care, try these steps:

  • Place a cold compress on the outside of your face if the area begins to swell.
  • Use a nonprescription pain medicine according to the package directions.
  • Put dental wax over a jagged edge if it is rubbing your tongue or the inside of your cheek.
  • Choose softer meals that are easier on your teeth.
  • Chew away from the injured area to avoid added pressure.

For now, skip foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold. Sugary, sticky, and hard foods can also irritate the tooth or make the damage worse.

Never place aspirin against the tooth or gum tissue because it may cause irritation. If a piece of the tooth comes out, save it in a clean container and take it to your appointment.

What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?

The tricky part: Tooth cracks do not always cause steady pain. Discomfort from a crack can come and go. Your tooth might not bother you until you chew certain foods or put pressure on it.

Signs to watch for include:

  • A quick, sharp pain while chewing
  • Discomfort after releasing your bite
  • New reactions to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks
  • Tender tissue around a specific tooth
  • Gum swelling near the damaged area
  • A jagged surface that catches your tongue
  • A small fracture line or broken section you can see

Do not assume a tiny crack is harmless. The injury may reach deeper into the tooth even when little damage is visible on the surface.

Why Should You See a Dentist Quickly?

Teeth cannot repair cracks on their own. An opening in the tooth may give bacteria a path to the soft pulp inside. This can lead to infection and stronger pain.

Prompt treatment for a cracked tooth in Blythewood may stop the problem from becoming more serious. It may also increase the chance that your natural tooth can be saved.

Seek urgent dental care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or major swelling. Go to an emergency room if swelling makes breathing or swallowing difficult.

How Is a Cracked Tooth Treated?

It depends on the damage: Your dentist will examine the tooth to find the location and depth of the crack.

Minor damage may be rebuilt with tooth-colored resin that blends with the surrounding enamel. When a larger section is weak or missing, the dentist may recommend a crown to give the tooth added support.

A deeper fracture can injure the pulp inside the tooth. In this case, root canal therapy may be needed to clear out unhealthy tissue and seal the inner space. Afterward, a crown can help shield the treated tooth from everyday biting forces.

If a crack travels far below the gum or splits the tooth into separate sections, removing the tooth may be the best option.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth?

Skip chewing ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels. Never use your teeth as tools. Wear a mouthguard for sports and talk with your dentist about a night guard if you clench or grind while sleeping.

Fast care for a cracked tooth in Blythewood can ease pain and help prevent infection. Schedule an exam and learn which treatment can protect your smile.

Call Blythewood Village Dentistry at 803-653-6331 to make your appointment. You can also schedule online.