Broken, Loose or Chipped Teeth – Home Care Tips

Accidents can happen at any moment, and sometimes this can result in dental trauma in the form of chipped, broken or loose teeth. Whilst it is important to seek professional attention as early as possible, you may be wondering how to manage the situation at home in the meantime. Don’t just grin and bear the pain, try some of the following tips to alleviate pain until you are able to visit your dentist for professional treatment.  

I have a cracked, chipped or loose tooth – What should I do? 

Teeth can become cracked, chipped or dislodged as a result of facial trauma sustained during physical activity, biting hard foods or the impacts of dental issues such as bruxism. It is not possible to re-attach broken pieces of the teeth, however these issues can be easily fixed with treatments such as dental crowns and fillings. These treatments not only restore a complete smile, but also full functionality of your teeth.   

If you’ve recently suffered an injury and suspect your teeth may have been damaged, you will firstly need to assess the severity of the issue. Start by establishing whether the tooth is merely chipped, loose or cracked/broken. If cracked or chipped, ensure that any tooth fragments are removed immediately from the mouth to avoid accidentally swallowing them. It is advisable to contact your dentist at this point to discuss your problem, as in some cases you may need to book in for an emergency dentist appointment.  

It is important to be mindful of any sharp edges around the perimeter of the teeth, as this could cause injury to the cheeks and tongue. If you experience any pain, you may wish to take some Panadol for pain relief.  

Your dentist may also advise you to cover the tooth with a soft piece of gauze, as this will help to reduce the risk of injury or further damage to the tooth.  

I’ve lost a Filling – What should I do? 

Losing a dental filling can be a disconcerting experience, and in some cases you may experience pain and sensitivity. Fillings can break away or become loose due to age, trauma, decay or biting down on hard foods. This may result in the tooth root being exposed, so it is important to book an emergency dental appointment immediately as a risk of infection exists.  

Until you are able to visit your dentist, you can alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection by: 

• Avoiding chewing on the side of your mouth with the missing/loose filling 
• Minimise consumption of sugar which can increase sensitivity 
• Avoid consumption of hot/cold food and beverage 
• Maintain a good oral hygiene routine brushing twice daily and flossing once daily 

I have a loose crown or veneer – What should I do? 

Dental crowns and veneers can become loose under various circumstances, which can lead to symptoms of pain and cause difficulty with eating. It is recommended that you visit your dentist as soon as possible, as they will be able to re-attach your crown/veneer or fabricate a replacement. Your dentist will also provide you with care advice in the meantime. In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene, you may wish to take Panadol for pain relief.  

Experienced a Dental Emergency? Call Sydney Park Dental Now 

If you’ve recently experienced a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact Sydney Park Dental immediately. Our experienced and professional team are here to help, and we will book you in for the next available emergency dentist appointment.