Teeth crack for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the issue occurs suddenly and produces discomfort. In other cases, symptoms may appear gradually over time. However, dental trauma, regardless of the cause, should never be overlooked. If you find yourself in this situation, follow the steps below to guarantee that your dentist provides you with prompt and effective treatment.

3 Steps to Take if You Have a Cracked Tooth

1. Protect & Preserve the Tooth

The edges of cracked teeth might be jagged, causing damage to your mouth when chewing and speaking. The tooth fissures can sometimes be so severe that a significant amount of the enamel falls loose. Keep the fractured tooth in the socket if possible to prevent it from drying out. You can also keep the tooth wet by placing it in a glass of cold milk. Milk's proteins protect tooth root cells much better than tap water, which can cause the cells to swell and potentially burst. Protect your mouth by putting a soft substance over the tooth until you can see a dentist. When it comes to concealing fractured teeth, dental wax is the ideal option, but sugarless gum will suffice in a hurry. As needed, reapply the wax or gum.

2. Visit the Dentist

Next, schedule an appointment with a dentist. Ideally, you should seek out a cosmetic dentist, as these individuals are trained to deal with chips, fractures, and other cosmetic flaws in the smile. They may encourage you to come in for the earliest available appointment, depending on the severity of your fracture. While major breaks should be repaired within 24 hours, minor surface cracks and chips can be treated by cosmetic dental professionals later.

3. Alter Your Diet

A cracked tooth is subject to subsequent breaks, no matter how little the damage is. Because the break could extend through the enamel and into the sensitive dentin underlying it, it could be vulnerable to severe temperatures. Avoid eating anything hard, and chew on the other side of the cracked tooth. You should avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold until the tooth has been repaired.

If you recently cracked a tooth and need top-quality dental care, turn to Kevin L. Ragsdale, D.D.S. in Dalton, GA. For more than 30 years, this expert dentist has offered residents throughout the area a broad range of service options designed to ensure optimum oral health. Call (706) 275-6631 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about what they do.