A broken tooth is a concerning situation for many people. There can be many causes for a tooth to break, such as trauma, an accident, or decay. Since it is a traumatic event, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
After a tooth breaks, you may feel pain in the damaged tooth. This pain arises from the direct impact on the nerve endings. If the nerves become exposed or damaged, the toothache will intensify.
So, why exactly do teeth break? What helps relieve pain from a broken tooth?
Why Do Teeth Break?
Tooth fractures can occur for multiple reasons. The most common cause is traumatic events, which usually happen when a strong blow is delivered to the tooth. Indeed, it is not incorrect to say that accidents and similar incidents can affect the tooth’s structure.
Another common cause is tooth decay. Cavities weaken the enamel, compromising the tooth’s structure and leading to breakage. Additionally, cracking hard-shelled foods like walnuts or hazelnuts with your teeth, or consuming other very hard foods, can damage the tooth and cause fractures.
Bruxism, also known as teeth-grinding, can also lead to cracked teeth. Grinding your teeth applies excessive pressure to the tooth surface, resulting in wear, cracks, or breaks. Moreover, age-related weakening of the teeth is another factor that can cause tooth breakage.
What Happens If a Tooth Breaks?
The nerves and blood vessels inside your teeth lie beneath the enamel in the dentin layer. When a tooth breaks, these nerves can become exposed or damaged. A broken tooth is more vulnerable to external factors than a healthy one. In addition, the gums and surrounding tissues around the fractured tooth can become inflamed, leading to broader oral-health issues.
What Happens If a Baby Tooth Breaks?
Baby teeth are the first teeth that erupt in infancy and begin to fall out around ages 6–7. During childhood, falls, bumps, and similar incidents during play can cause a baby tooth to break.
If a baby tooth breaks, you should first assess the severity of the situation and the extent of the fracture. Because baby teeth are temporary compared to permanent teeth, some cases may not require emergency intervention. However, it should not be forgotten that a fractured baby tooth can affect the child’s oral health and dental development. Therefore, follow your dentist’s advice and act according to their guidance.
What Relieves Pain From a Broken Tooth?
Broken-tooth complications such as infection, abscess, and other issues can make the pain unbearable. Applying pain-relief methods can help reduce discomfort.
The best course of action for a broken tooth is to see a dentist first. However, if that is not immediately possible, the following methods can provide temporary relief:
- Over-the-counter painkillers can temporarily alleviate broken-tooth pain. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication.
- Applying ice can reduce inflammation around the broken tooth. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth and gently press it against the area—never apply ice directly to the tooth.
- Keeping the broken area clean is crucial. Poor oral hygiene will exacerbate pain and increase the risk of infection. Handle the area gently and maintain extra care when brushing and rinsing.
How Is a Broken Tooth Treated?
Treatment for a broken tooth varies depending on the type and extent of the fracture, the tooth’s position, and overall oral health. Your dentist will examine the tooth and determine the most appropriate treatment. Common treatment options include:
- Filling: If the fracture affects only the enamel and dentin layers and does not reach the pulp, a filling is typically used. The filling covers the broken area, helping the tooth regain strength and reducing the risk of further damage.
- Root Canal Treatment: If the fracture extends into the pulp, an infection may develop in the root. In such cases, a root canal is performed to remove the infected tissue, and the tooth is then filled and sealed to save it.
- Crown: When most of the tooth’s structure is lost but the root remains healthy, a crown can be placed over the broken tooth. This restores chewing and speaking function while protecting against future damage.
- Extraction: If a large portion of the tooth and its root are damaged beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. If the tooth is a baby tooth and permanent teeth have not yet emerged, a space maintainer may be placed after extraction.
What Happens If a Broken Tooth Is Not Treated?
If a broken tooth is left untreated, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause an infection. This can affect the pulp tissue and lead to severe pain. Untreated fractures also increase the risk of gum disease and jawbone inflammation. Neglecting treatment can result in further weakening of the tooth, functional problems, chewing difficulties, and aesthetic issues.
What Natural Methods Can You Use for Broken-Tooth Pain?
When you can’t see a dentist immediately, the following natural remedies may help reduce pain:
- Salt Water: Rinse your mouth with salt water, which has antibacterial properties, to kill microbes and alleviate pain.
- Onion: Chewing raw onion or gently pressing it against the broken tooth can help reduce pain thanks to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
- Garlic: Known as a natural antibiotic, garlic can temporarily relieve tooth pain when gently pressed against the affected area.
- Baking Soda Water: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and rinse your mouth. Use sparingly to avoid enamel erosion.
- Ginger: Ginger’s antibacterial properties help kill bacteria on the broken tooth surface and relieve pain.
- Clove Oil: Applying a few drops of clove oil to a cotton swab and gently pressing it against the tooth can numb the area.
- Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass juice or chewing the grass itself can help reduce pain due to its antibacterial effects.
These methods are provided for general informational purposes only. To properly address broken-tooth pain, visit a dental clinic promptly and seek professional care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Broken Tooth Cause Pain?
Yes. A fractured tooth causes pain because the nerve endings are directly exposed.
How Long Does Broken Tooth Pain Last?
The duration of pain varies depending on the individual and the severity of the fracture. It can last for days or even a week. Without treatment, the pain will persist.
Does a Broken Tooth Have to Be Extracted?
The primary goal is to save the tooth whenever possible. Extraction is only performed if the tooth cannot be restored.
Is Extracting a Broken Tooth Difficult?
Factors such as the type of fracture, tooth position, root structure, and overall condition affect extraction difficulty. Therefore, it is not accurate to label every case as simply “difficult” or “easy.”
Can You Place a Crown on a Half-Broken Tooth?
Yes. If the tooth root is healthy, a crown can be placed on a half-broken tooth.