A broken tooth is something no one plans for—but it happens more often than you might think. Whether it’s the result of a sports injury, a bite into something too hard, or a stumble at home, the experience can be alarming. The good news? With the right response and timely dental care, a broken tooth can almost always be repaired.
In this blog from Emergency Dentistry, we’ll walk through how to recognize the signs of a broken tooth, what to do in the moment, and how your dentist can help. We’ll also take a closer look at the common ways broken teeth happen—and what you can do to lower your risk.
How Do Teeth Break? Common Everyday Accidents
Teeth are incredibly strong, but they’re not indestructible. It doesn’t always take a major injury to cause a fracture—sometimes everyday activities are enough.
Here are some of the most common causes of broken teeth:
1. Biting Down on Something Hard
A sudden crunch on a popcorn kernel, ice cube, or hard candy can fracture a tooth. This is especially true for teeth with large fillings or older dental work, where the structure may already be weakened.
2. Sports-Related Injuries
Any contact sport—like basketball, football, soccer, or hockey—comes with the risk of facial injuries. A sudden impact to the mouth can crack or knock out a tooth completely.
3. Slips and Falls
Tripping on the stairs, slipping on a wet floor, or falling off a bike can easily lead to a chipped or broken tooth—especially if the mouth takes the brunt of the fall.
4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Over time, chronic grinding or clenching can weaken the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to cracks and breaks.
5. Using Teeth as Tools
Opening bottles, cutting tape, or biting off clothing tags may seem harmless in the moment—but these habits can lead to serious tooth damage.
What a Broken Tooth Can Look or Feel Like
Broken teeth don’t all look the same, and sometimes, the damage isn’t immediately visible. Depending on how and where the tooth breaks, you may notice:
- A sharp or jagged edge
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Swelling or discomfort near the tooth
- A piece of the tooth that’s visibly missing
In some cases, there may be little or no pain right away—but that doesn’t mean the issue should be ignored. Even small cracks can worsen over time and lead to infection or further damage if left untreated.
What To Do Right Away If You Break a Tooth
If you or someone in your care breaks a tooth, here’s what to do in the first few minutes:
- Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove any debris and keep the area clean.
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling.
- Use gauze or a clean cloth if there’s bleeding, applying gentle pressure.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth has been examined.
- Save any broken pieces of the tooth, if you can, and bring them to your dental appointment.
If there’s pain, over-the-counter pain relievers (taken as directed) can help while you wait to be seen.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Treatment for a broken tooth depends on the severity of the damage. After examining the area and possibly taking X-rays, your dentist may recommend one of the following:
Dental Bonding
For small chips or cracks, bonding with tooth-colored resin can restore the tooth’s shape and function in just one visit.
Dental Crown
If a large portion of the tooth is damaged or missing, a crown (or “cap”) can be placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its strength.
Root Canal
If the break exposes the nerve or leads to infection, a root canal may be necessary before placing a crown.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement
In rare cases, if the tooth is broken beyond repair, it may need to be removed. Your dentist will discuss options like implants or bridges to replace it.
How to Prevent Broken Teeth
While accidents happen, many causes of broken teeth can be minimized with a few simple precautions:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, including ice, pens, hard candy, and popcorn kernels.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports, even recreational ones. A custom-fit guard from your dentist offers the best protection.
- Use scissors or tools—not your teeth—to open packages.
- Treat teeth grinding with a night guard if necessary. Your dentist can create a custom appliance to protect your teeth while you sleep.
- Stay on top of dental care. Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch signs of stress fractures, worn enamel, or weakened restorations before they break.
Don’t Wait to Get a Broken Tooth Checked
A broken tooth can be unsettling, but you don’t have to face it alone. Prompt dental care can relieve pain, prevent further complications, and restore your tooth so it feels and functions just like before.
Even if the damage seems small or painless, it’s worth having it examined. Cracks can deepen over time, and small chips can lead to bigger problems down the road if ignored. Whether you need an exam for tooth pain, a regular check-up appointment, or any other dental health services, choose Emergency Dentistry and call 941-375-4005 today.
