Accidents happen, and dental injuries can be distressing. Whether you have a broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth, fast action can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth. At Silk City Dental, we provide immediate care for dental trauma, ensuring the best possible outcome for your smile.

Common Causes of Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth

A tooth can break or get knocked out due to various reasons, including:

• Sports injuries (contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing)
• Falls or accidents (slipping on a hard surface or getting hit in the face)
• Biting into hard foods (ice, hard candy, or unpopped popcorn kernels)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism), which weakens enamel over time
• Severe cavities or decay, making teeth more brittle
• Old or failing dental work, such as large fillings or crowns that leave teeth vulnerable

What to Do Immediately: First Aid for a Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

If Your Tooth is Broken:

• Rinse Your Mouth – Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth to remove dirt or debris.
• Control Bleeding – Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
• Reduce Swelling and Pain – Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Save Any Broken Pieces – If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in milk or saline solution and bring it to the dentist.
• Visit a Dentist Immediately – The sooner you get treatment, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

If Your Tooth is Knocked Out:

• Find the Tooth – If your tooth has been knocked out completely, try to locate it.
• Handle with Care – Pick up the tooth by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root to protect vital tissues.
• Rinse if Necessary – If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water (do not scrub or use soap).
• Try to Reinsert It – If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• Keep It Moist – If reinserting isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk, saline solution, or your saliva (do NOT store it in water).
• See a Dentist Immediately – A knocked-out tooth needs to be reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of survival.

How to Prevent Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth

While accidents happen, you can reduce your risk with these preventive measures:

• Wear a Mouthguard – If you play sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from impact.
• Avoid Hard Foods – Stay away from hard candy, ice, and other foods that can crack teeth.
• Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools – Avoid opening bottles or tearing packages with your teeth.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing regularly keeps teeth strong and healthy.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Routine checkups can help catch weak teeth or cavities before they become a problem.
• Treat Teeth Grinding – If you grind your teeth at night, ask our dentists about a nightguard to prevent fractures.

Act Fast to Save Your Tooth!

If you’ve suffered a dental injury, don’t wait—call Silk City Dental immediately for emergency care with Dr. Tushin Shah. We’ll do everything possible to restore your tooth and protect your smile.