A broken tooth doesn’t always look dramatic. In fact, many patients don’t even realize they’ve cracked or fractured a tooth until they experience discomfort or the damage worsens. Some breaks are obvious, while others are subtle, hidden beneath the surface, or mistaken for everyday tooth sensitivity. Either way, prompt attention makes a big difference in protecting your comfort, function, and long-term oral health.
If you suspect you may have a broken tooth, or want to know what signs to watch for, this guide will walk you through how to recognize the symptoms, what causes broken teeth, and what to do next.
What Causes a Tooth to Break?
Teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. A variety of everyday situations can cause a tooth to chip, crack, or break. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Biting Into Hard Foods
Crunching down on ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, hard candy, or bones can cause sudden fractures, especially in teeth with existing fillings or prior damage.
2. Falls or Accidents
Whether it’s a slip in the bathroom, a sports-related injury, or an accidental bump to the face, trauma is a leading cause of chipped or broken teeth.
3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Chronic grinding or clenching, especially at night, puts constant pressure on teeth. Over time, this weakens enamel and can cause fractures.
4. Large Fillings or Restorations
Teeth that have undergone extensive dental work may be more prone to cracking, especially if the natural structure is already weakened.
5. Sudden Temperature Changes
Rapidly shifting from hot to cold (like sipping hot coffee and immediately drinking ice water) can cause expansion and contraction that weakens enamel over time.
How to Tell If You Have a Broken Tooth
Some tooth breaks are hard to miss. Others can be small or hidden beneath the surface. Here are some signs that may indicate a broken or cracked tooth:
1. Sharp or Intermittent Pain When Chewing
Pain that comes and goes when biting down, especially when releasing pressure, is a common sign of a cracked tooth. The movement allows the crack to flex slightly, irritating the pulp inside.
2. Sudden Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
If one tooth reacts sharply to temperature more than the others, that could be a sign of a hairline crack or enamel fracture.
3. Rough or Jagged Edge
Sometimes a piece of tooth breaks off, leaving a sharp, uneven edge that you can feel with your tongue.
4. Swelling or Tenderness in the Gums
A break that extends below the gumline may cause localized swelling, especially if bacteria enter the exposed area.
5. Visible Damage
Chips and breaks on front teeth are usually easy to spot. For back teeth, it’s not always visible, but your dentist will be able to confirm with an exam and X-rays.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
A broken tooth, whether it’s causing pain or not, should always be looked at by your dentist. When left untreated, even a small crack can deepen, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection or worse.
Addressing a broken tooth early allows your dentist to preserve it with a crown or bonding. Waiting too long may result in the need for more complex treatment, such as a root canal or even extraction.
What To Do If You Suspect a Broken Tooth
If you think you’ve cracked or broken a tooth, here’s what to do:
1. Rinse Your Mouth Gently
Use warm water to keep the area clean and clear of debris. Avoid swishing forcefully, especially if part of the tooth is loose.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in short intervals to help reduce inflammation.
3. Avoid Chewing on That Side
Until you see your dentist, avoid putting pressure on the tooth. Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
4. Save Any Broken Pieces
If a portion of the tooth breaks off and can be recovered, store it in a clean container with milk or saline. While it may not be reattached, it could help your dentist understand the extent of the damage.
5. Call Your Dentist ASAP
Don’t wait to see if the pain subsides. A cracked tooth doesn’t heal on its own and symptoms may worsen without professional care. Your dentist will evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of action.
How Broken Teeth Are Treated
The right treatment depends on the location, size, and severity of the break. Here are some common solutions:
Dental Bonding or Filling
Small chips or minor surface cracks can often be repaired with tooth-colored composite resin. This restores the shape of the tooth and seals it to prevent further damage.
Dental Crown
For larger breaks or fractures that affect chewing function, a crown may be needed. Many practices now offer same-day crowns, allowing the tooth to be restored in a single visit with no temporary crown or waiting period.
Root Canal Therapy
If the break reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected or damaged tissue before placing a crown.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement
In rare cases where the tooth is broken below the gumline or is too damaged to save, it may need to be removed. A dental implant or bridge can be used to replace the tooth and restore function.
How to Prevent Broken Teeth in the Future
While not all accidents can be avoided, there are simple steps you can take to protect your teeth:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, like ice or pens
- Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
- Don’t use your teeth as tools and avoid opening packages or bottles with them
- Keep up with regular dental visits to identify weakened teeth or restorations before they break
- Treat cavities and wear early before they compromise the strength of the tooth
Don’t Ignore a Broken Tooth, Call Emergency Dentistry Today
A broken tooth can range from a minor inconvenience to a dental emergency, but either way, it deserves prompt attention. Early treatment helps prevent pain, infection, and long-term damage. Whether your tooth is visibly chipped, causing discomfort, or just feels “off,” your dental team is here to help you assess the situation and restore your smile quickly and effectively.
With today’s technology and restorative options, including same-day crowns and comprehensive emergency care, you don’t have to live with discomfort or uncertainty. If you think you may have a broken tooth, reach out for an evaluation. The sooner it’s treated, the sooner you can get back to eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Trust Emergency Dentistry and call 941-375-4005 today.
