Expert Tips to Deal With a Chipped Wisdom Tooth at Home!
Wisdom teeth can be a bit of a headache. We have all been at that suffering point. They don’t come in at the most convenient time, and sometimes, they just don’t seem to want to cooperate. But what happens when your wisdom tooth chips, breaks, or starts rotting?
Let’s talk about chipped wisdom teeth, how to handle it, and what you can do to take care of yourself in this situation.
What Happens if You Chip Your Wisdom Tooth?
First of all, if you have chipped your wisdom tooth, you may wonder if it’s a big deal. The short answer is: it depends. A chipped wisdom tooth can range from a tiny, harmless chip to something more serious.
When a chunk of your wisdom tooth breaks off, it may not always cause pain right away. Some people feel no pain at all, while others might notice sensitivity or discomfort. If your wisdom tooth has chipped, here are some common scenarios:
- No Pain: In some cases, you may have a chipped wisdom tooth without feeling any pain at all. If the chip is minor and doesn’t affect the nerve, there’s usually no reason to panic. Just be sure to keep an eye on it.
- Pain: If the chip is larger or exposes the inner part of the tooth, it can become sensitive, especially to hot or cold food and drinks.
- Infection: If bacteria get into the broken area, it can lead to an infection, which is definitely something you want to avoid.
Causes: Why Did a Piece of My Wisdom Tooth Break Off?
You might be wondering: “Why did this happen?” There are a few reasons why wisdom teeth can break or chip:
- Decay: If your wisdom tooth is rotting or has cavities, the tooth can weaken and eventually break.
- Pressure: Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in crooked or push against other teeth, creating extra pressure that can cause the tooth to break.
- Grinding Teeth: If you grind your teeth at night, it can put too much pressure on your wisdom tooth, leading to cracks or chips.
- Accidents: Sometimes, it’s just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A bump or fall could cause your wisdom tooth to crack.
Read More: Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
Cracked Wisdom Tooth Symptoms: How to Know What’s Happening?
A cracked wisdom tooth may not always be obvious at first, but there are some key symptoms you can look out for. These include:
Pain when chewing
If you feel pain while chewing, especially on the side where the wisdom tooth is located, it could be cracked.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is a common sign of a cracked tooth.
Swelling
If the gum around your wisdom tooth feels swollen or irritated, it could be a sign of a crack or break.
Visible Chip or Crack
If you can see a visible crack or a piece of the tooth missing, this is a clear indication that your tooth has broken.
What to Do When Your Wisdom Teeth Break Through?
When your wisdom teeth start breaking through the gums, it can be an uncomfortable process. It’s often a bit of a waiting game as the tooth moves through your gums and becomes fully visible. But if you notice any of the following, act fast:
If You Feel Pain
Try using over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease any discomfort you may be experiencing as your wisdom teeth erupt.
If You Have Swelling
Swelling is common as your wisdom teeth emerge. You can use an ice pack to help reduce inflammation.
If You Get Bleeding
Some light bleeding is normal when wisdom teeth start breaking through, but if the bleeding persists, contact your dentist.
How to Pull a Broken Wisdom Tooth at Home?
While the idea of pulling out a broken wisdom tooth at home might sound tempting (or scary!), it’s not recommended.
Removing a tooth is a delicate procedure, and trying to do it yourself could lead to more pain and complications. It’s best to leave the tooth extraction to the professionals.
Here are some things you can do to deal with the situation as you wait for your dentist appointment:
- Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any discomfort. Follow the directions on the label.
- Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with warm salt water can lower the risk of infection and help keep the region clean.
- Cold Compress: If there’s any swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help reduce it.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Stick to soft foods that won’t irritate the broken tooth or makethe pain worse.
Read More: Strongest Natural Antibiotic for Gum and Teeth Infection
Broken Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms
If a broken wisdom tooth leads to an infection, you might notice some of these symptoms:
- Increased pain: If the pain intensifies or doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of infection.
- Bad breath: A foul smell coming from your mouth, even after brushing, can be a sign of an infection.
- Pus: If you see pus around the broken tooth or gum area, it’s time to see a dentist immediately.
- Fever: If you develop a fever, this is a clear sign that your body is fighting an infection.
Do not hesitate to ask for treatment if you observe any of these symptoms. An infection can spread and cause more serious problems if left untreated.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic!
The important thing is to stay calm, take care of the area, and get the help you need when necessary. But remember, even if you feel like a little piece of your tooth is broken, there are plenty of options to get you back to feeling your best.
So, breathe easy. You will get through this just fine!
If you are facing issues with a broken or chipped wisdom tooth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with professionals who can help! Visit PVPD for treatment.
People Also Ask!
What happens if you chip your wisdom tooth?
If you chip your wisdom tooth, you may not feel immediate pain, but you could experience sensitivity or discomfort, especially if the chip exposes the inner layers of the tooth.
Is a broken wisdom tooth an emergency?
A broken wisdom tooth is not always an emergency unless it causes severe pain, bleeding, or signs of infection. However, it’s best to get it checked by a dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Why did a piece of my wisdom tooth break off?
A piece of your wisdom tooth may break off due to decay, pressure from nearby teeth, teeth grinding, or even an accident. Poor oral hygiene or stress can also contribute to this problem.
