Overview
Tooth cracks and chips can happen from trauma, biting hard foods, large fillings, grinding, or untreated cavities. Small chips may be cosmetic, but pain on biting, sharp edges, sensitivity, or visible fracture needs dental care.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Pain when releasing a bite is a common cracked-tooth clue.
- ✓A sharp edge can cut the tongue or cheek.
- ✓Broken teeth can decay or infect faster if left open.
- ✓Save broken pieces if trauma caused the fracture.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- 2Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax if available.
- 3Rinse gently with warm water after injury.
- 4Use a cold compress if trauma caused swelling.
When To Book A Dentist
- !The tooth is painful, sensitive, or sharp.
- !A filling, crown, or tooth piece has broken.
- !You feel pain when biting or releasing a bite.
- !The fracture happened after a fall or sports impact.
Emergency Warning Signs
- !Severe pain, facial swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding.
- !A permanent tooth is loose, displaced, or knocked out.