Broken tooth

1. What is a broken tooth?

Fractured tooth decay is a condition in which tooth decay has progressed to the point where the tooth structure is destroyed, resulting in the tooth breaking or fracturing. This is a severe stage of tooth decay, when the enamel and dentin have been severely damaged by bacteria and acids.

This condition usually occurs when tooth decay is not detected and treated promptly. As the decay progresses, the inside of the tooth becomes weaker, making it more likely to break when subjected to pressure from chewing or biting hard foods.

2. Causes of broken teeth

Broken teeth occur for many reasons, including:

1. Untreated tooth decay: This is the main cause, as bacteria and acids continue to destroy the tooth structure.

2. Poor oral hygiene: Improper or infrequent brushing creates conditions for bacteria to grow.

3. Diet high in sugar and starch: These foods create a favorable environment for bacteria that cause tooth decay.

4. Fluoride deficiency: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and fight tooth decay.

5. Untreated cracked teeth: Small cracks can develop into broken teeth if left untreated.

6. Teeth grinding: This habit puts pressure on decayed teeth, easily leading to tooth breakage.

7. Trauma: A strong impact to a decayed tooth can cause the tooth to break.

8. Age: Teeth become weaker over time, especially if not properly cared for.

3. Signs of a broken tooth

To detect a broken tooth early, pay attention to the following signs:

1. Pain when chewing, especially when eating hard or sweet foods.
2. Sensitive to temperature, pain when eating hot or cold foods.
3. Sudden pain when biting or releasing the bite force.
4. Visible holes or cracks in teeth.
5. Rough feeling when touching teeth with tongue.
6. Breath has an unusual odor.
7. Swollen gums around the affected tooth.
8. Headache or earache due to tooth impact.

Note that sometimes a broken tooth may not cause obvious pain, so regular dental check-ups are important to detect problems early.

 

4. The harmful effects of broken decayed teeth

If not treated promptly, broken cavities can cause many harmful effects:

1. Severe pain: When a broken tooth comes into contact with air, food or saliva, it can cause severe pain.

2. Infection: Bacteria can penetrate deep into the tooth, causing pulpitis or abscess.

3. Spread to other teeth: Tooth decay can spread to neighboring teeth if left untreated.

4. Tooth loss: In severe cases, teeth may be damaged to the point of having to be extracted.

5. Affects chewing: Broken teeth cause difficulty in eating and drinking, affecting nutrition.

6. Aesthetic problems: Broken teeth affect your smile and confidence.

7. Changes in jaw structure: Tooth loss can lead to displacement of remaining teeth, affecting bite.

8. High treatment costs: Treating a broken tooth cavity is often much more expensive than preventing or treating early stage tooth decay.

5. Treatment for broken decayed teeth

Treatment of a broken tooth depends on the extent of the damage:

1. Dental fillings:

– Applicable for small breaks.
– The dentist will clean the decayed part of the tooth and fill it with composite or amalgam.

2. Porcelain crowns:

– Used for teeth that are severely broken but still have enough structure to hold a crown.
– Protect teeth and restore chewing function.

3. Root canal treatment:

– Necessary when tooth decay has affected the pulp.
– Remove the infected pulp, then fill or crown the tooth.

4. Implantation:

– Applied when the tooth is too badly broken and needs to be extracted.
– Replace lost teeth with implants and crowns.

5. Tooth extraction:

– Only applied when the tooth cannot be saved.
– Then you can consider implant or bridge.

6. Veneer:

– Used for mild fractures of front teeth.
– Restore aesthetics and protect teeth.

6. How to prevent broken cavities

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some effective measures:

1. Proper oral hygiene:

– Brush your teeth at least twice a day, 2 minutes each time.
– Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily.

2. Use fluoride toothpaste:

– Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, effectively preventing tooth decay.

3. Limit sweets and sticky foods:

– Reduce consumption of sugar and refined starches.
– Avoid frequent snacking between meals.

4. Drink plenty of water:

– Water helps wash away leftover food and stimulates saliva production.

5. Regular dental check-ups:

– Have your teeth checked every 6 months to detect problems early.

6. Treat tooth decay promptly:

– Do not delay treatment when tooth decay is detected.

7. Use protective troughs:

– If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, wear a mouth guard when you sleep.

8. Avoid chewing hard foods:

– Limit chewing ice and hard seeds to avoid breaking weak teeth.

7. Diet for people with broken teeth

Diet plays an important role in preventing and controlling tooth decay:

1. Foods to eat:

– Green vegetables and fruits rich in fiber
– Milk and dairy products (rich in calcium)
– Lean meat, fish, beans (protein helps strengthen tooth enamel)
– Filtered water

2. Foods to limit:

– Sweets and confectionery
– Carbonated soft drinks
– Food is sticky like gummy bears.
– Starchy snacks

3. How to eat:

– Eat on time, limit snacking
– Drink water after eating sweets
– Use a straw when drinking soft drinks
– Chew sugar-free gum after meals

4. Supplement:

– Foods rich in fluoride such as sea fish, green tea
– Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D

8. Dental care when teeth are broken or decayed

When a decayed tooth is found to be broken, special oral care is needed:

1. Gentle cleaning:

– Brush your teeth carefully to avoid causing pain or further damage.
– Use a soft bristle brush.

2. Gargle with salt water:

– Helps relieve pain and prevent infection.
– Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water.

3. Avoid stimuli:

– Avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold.
– Avoid chewing on the broken tooth area.

4. Use pain relievers:

– Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used if needed.

5. Temporary tooth protection:

– Use dental wax to protect the broken tooth area.

6. Avoid self-treatment:

– Do not use dental glue or other self-treatment methods.

7. See a dentist immediately:

– Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

9. Broken cavities in children

Broken cavities in children require special attention:

1. Common causes:

– Eat lots of sweets and snacks
– Poor oral hygiene
– Fluoride deficiency during tooth development

2. Signs of recognition:

– Children complain of pain when eating or drinking
– Teeth with unusual color (brown or black)
– Have holes or cracks in the teeth

3. Health impacts:

– Affects eating and nutrition
– Can cause infection and pain
– Affects the development of permanent teeth

4. Treatment:

– Dental fillings for mild cases
– Porcelain crowns for severely damaged teeth
– Tooth extraction in cases where it cannot be saved

5. Prevention:

– Teach children how to brush their teeth properly from a young age
– Limit sweets and snacks
– Take your child for a dental check-up every 6 months.

6. Special Note:

– Do not ignore decayed baby teeth.
– Healthy baby teeth are important for the development of the jaw and permanent teeth.

 

10. When should I see a dentist?

You should see a dentist immediately when:

1. Detect white or brown spots on teeth
2. Feeling sensitive when eating hot, cold or sweet foods
3. Pain when biting or chewing
4. See small holes or cracks in teeth
5. Unusual bad breath
6. Teeth begin to show signs of discoloration
7. Swollen, red gums or bleeding when brushing teeth
8. It has been more than 6 months since your last dental check-up.

Additionally, even if there are no obvious symptoms, regular dental check-ups every 6 months are still important to detect and prevent early tooth decay.

Conclude:

A broken tooth is a serious dental problem that can cause a lot of damage if not treated promptly. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, a reasonable diet and regular dental check-ups are the keys to preventing this condition. If you suspect that you have a broken tooth, do not hesitate to see your dentist immediately.

Remember, oral health is an important part of overall health. By paying attention to cavities and other dental problems, you not only protect your smile, but you also contribute to your quality of life. Make dental care an integral part of your and your family's daily routine.