Broken teeth in adults: handling and first aid

Like the rest of your body, your teeth are prone to injury. When you are a child, baby teeth will fall out on their own and this is normal. However, if an adult tooth is broken, don't take it for granted. Broken teeth may cause nerve damage or infection. You should seek emergency help immediately or see your dentist in person.

Types of broken teeth in adults

There are several types of injuries that may occur to your teeth. The type depends on the cause of the injury and how severe it was. Which one have you experienced?

Cracked teeth. Usually this injury does not cause the tooth to completely fall off the gum. There are still parts of the teeth embedded in the gums, but there are crack lines or there are parts of the teeth that are broken and missing. The pain is not as severe as a broken tooth until it dislodges from the gum. You may only feel pain when you chew, brush your teeth, or drink cold or hot water.
The tooth is completely broken. Teeth that are broken and dislodged from the gums usually cause pain, bleeding, and swelling. Save your broken tooth until you get to the emergency department (IGD).

Broken teeth should be treated by medical personnel immediately

Broken or cracked teeth cannot be treated at home. You need direct handling by a dentist or medical personnel in the ER. The sooner your teeth are returned to their original position by a professional, the better the chances are that they will adhere to the gums and roots again.

First aid for broken teeth

While waiting for action from your dentist or medical personnel, make sure you have taken the following first aid steps.

1. Find and clean a broken tooth

If your tooth breaks and falls off, clean it with water and put it back in its original position. Apply pressure so that the teeth stick strong enough. If the tooth does not stick back together, soak the tooth in plain milk or warm water and take it to the doctor. If you can't find your teeth, place a sterile gauze on your gums.

2. Gargle with warm water

While pressing on the broken tooth with your tongue or fingers, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any remaining blood or debris. The point is to prevent infection. After rinsing, bite down on a soft handkerchief to hold your broken tooth in position until you reach the dentist or emergency room.

3. Overcoming bleeding and swelling

If a broken tooth is causing bleeding, press it down with sterile gauze. If there is no gauze, hold it in place with a soft cloth or handkerchief dipped in cold water.

If the gums feel swollen, immediately apply ice to them. However, don't put ice cubes directly on the gums, as this can cause tissue damage. Wrap the ice cubes first in a soft cloth.