What are the symptoms of a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
People with a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- Visible damage or a fracture in the tooth
- Swelling in the surrounding area
- Bleeding from the gums near the damaged tooth
What causes a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
A chipped, broken, or cracked tooth can be caused by several factors, including:
- Trauma or injury to the mouth
- Eating hard foods, like sweets or ice
- Grinding teeth, often done during sleep
- Large fillings that weaken the tooth structure
- Dental decay that makes the tooth fragile
How common are chipped, broken, or cracked teeth?
Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth are fairly common occurrences. Many people experience some type of tooth damage at some point in their lives, whether from accidents or daily activities.
Who is more likely to get a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
Some people are more likely to have a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth due to certain risk factors, such as:
- Participating in contact sports without proper mouth protection
- Having dental issues like cavities or weakened enamel
- History of teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Eating a diet high in hard foods
How can I treat a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
Treatment for a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth depends on the severity of the damage. Common treatments include:
- Dental bonding for minor chips
- Fillings for small fractures
- Crowns for larger breaks
- Root canal therapy if the tooth is severely damaged
- Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
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How to live with a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
If you have a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth, you can manage the situation by:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infection
- Avoiding very hard foods until you receive treatment
- Sipping on cold drinks or using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and when issues arise
Final thoughts
Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth are common dental issues that can affect anyone. If you experience this kind of dental damage, it’s important to speak to your GP or dentist for advice and treatment.
