Share:

A crack, chip, or any other type of break in a tooth can be a frustrating issue to deal with, not to mention one that might make simple tasks like eating, drinking, or talking painful or awkward. If a tooth breaks during the thick of a busy schedule or after dentist office has closed for the day, you might be tempted to attempt a DIY fix. But this is never a good idea; these things should always be left to a dentist. Discover a few reasons why below.

Why You Shouldn't Try to Fix a Tooth on Your Own

1. Surrounding Teeth Can Become Damaged

A loose tooth can be more than a little annoying, and you may want to get rid of the issue and pull it out on your own. For kids, a loose tooth can be a constant, disruptive distraction and a hindrance to comfortable eating and speaking. But if at all possible, don't pull a tooth by yourself. It's remarkably easy to remove too hard and damage or loosen the surrounding teeth. The tooth could also still be firmly attached to the root, which will make the extraction painful and cause significant bleeding.

2. The Damage Can Easily Worsen

If a tooth has chipped or cracked, it's already passed a certain point of weakness and fragility. Fiddling with the tooth will only further compromise it, and the damage could very well worsen. For instance, if part of a tooth breaks off and you attempt to smooth down the rough edge with a power tool, you are introducing an implement into the mouth that wasn't designed to be used on teeth. These tools exert pressure that will weaken the already-vulnerable tooth, even more, removing essential tooth enamel and exacerbating the problem.

3. The Source of the Problem Can Be Overlooked

Some do-it-yourselfers have taken it upon themselves to try to fill cavities at home with over-the-counter products or even substances not meant for oral use, like cement. But a person only needs a filling when a cavity has started to destroy a tooth; filling it alone doesn't remove the decay inside the cavity, so the source of the problem isn't being addressed, and decay can continue to grow. A dentist needs to remove the damage with a drill before placing a dental-grade tooth filling. OTC products should only be used temporarily until you can get to a dentist.

 

Always call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment for an urgent tooth concern. For quality services, no matter the case, Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates, offers pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services to young patients throughout the Avon, OH, area. Instead of tackling your child's damaged tooth on your own, let Dr. Crowell and her team provide the highest levels of dental care. Call (440) 934-0149 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.

tracking