Many people believe a broken or chipped tooth is just a minor issue, but it can have a serious impact on your dental health and overall well-being. A fractured tooth can lead to unexpected health problems if left untreated, affecting your quality of life and causing discomfort. Whether the problem seems small or severe, taking action early is key to preventing further issues.
A broken tooth isn’t just about looks—it can increase the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and even infections that may spread beyond the mouth. If you’re struggling with a fractured tooth, it’s important to understand the potential risks and the importance of treatment. In this blog, we will explore how neglected teeth can lead to severe health problems and why you should speak to a dentist for proper advice. Keep reading to learn how to safeguard your dental health and prevent complications.
What Causes Teeth to Break?
A broken or chipped tooth can happen for many reasons, and understanding these factors can help prevent damage. Some common causes of broken teeth include accidents, dental issues, and lifestyle habits. Here are some of the main factors that can lead to a fracture or chip in your teeth:
- Biting Hard Foods – Crunching on ice, popcorn kernels, hard candies, or nuts can weaken your tooth and make it more prone to fractures.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Chronic grinding and clenching put excessive pressure on teeth, which can wear down enamel and cause them to break over time.
- Accidents and Injuries – Falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or physical altercations can lead to sudden trauma to the face and mouth, resulting in fractured teeth.
- Untreated Cavities – Poor oral hygiene can cause tooth decay, making teeth brittle and more likely to chip or break.
- Large Fillings & Restorations – Multiple fillings can weaken a tooth’s structure, increasing the risk of fractures when biting or chewing.
- Aging & Medical Conditions – As you age, your teeth naturally weaken, and certain medical conditions can make them even more prone to breaking.
Regular dental visits are essential to identify and address potential issues before they worsen. Practicing good oral health care and avoiding harmful habits can help keep your teeth intact and reduce the risk of damage.
How Can a Broken Tooth Affect Your Health?
A cracked or broken tooth is more than just a dental issue—it can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. If left untreated, it can deteriorate oral health and lead to severe problems. Here’s how a fractured tooth can affect you:
- Increased Risk of Infection – A broken tooth can expose the dental pulp, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
- Pain & Sensitivity – A fractured tooth often leads to pain, especially when eating or drinking. You may also experience bad breath and tooth sensitivity.
- Swelling & Fever – If the infection spreads, it can cause swelling in the gums and even result in a fever.
- Dental Abscess – In severe cases, an untreated infected tooth can form an abscess, which may require urgent medical treatment.
- Tooth Decay & Damage – A cracked tooth is weaker and more prone to decay, making it difficult to chew properly.
Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to lasting health problems beyond your mouth. Seeking timely treatment can help prevent complications and safeguard your oral health.
Broken Teeth and Their Impact on Health
Gum Disease
When a tooth breaks, its sharp, jagged edges can irritate the surrounding gums, causing inflammation and infection. Cracks and crevices in the damaged tooth trap food particles and bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of gum disease. If left untreated, this can alter the bite, create uneven pressure, and result in bone loss and serious health complications like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer. Proper treatment is important to prevent worsening problems and ensure overall well-being.
Infection in Tissues and Bones
Broken teeth can lead to poor oral health, making the surrounding tissues and bones prone to infection. When a tooth breaks, it can expose the underlying pulp and nerves, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial infections. This may cause severe pain, swelling, redness, and pus formation, leading to a dental abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread to facial bones, causing bone loss and requiring surgical removal. To stop further complications, it is important to see a dentist as early as possible for treatment.
Heart Disease
Neglected broken teeth are vulnerable to infection, allowing bacteria to enter cracks in the enamel and reach the pulp and root canal. This can cause swelling, fever, and severe pain that radiates to the face and neck. If not treated, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream, leading to inflammation in the arteries and plaque buildup, which may narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Keeping good oral health can help reduce bacteria levels in the mouth, lowering the chances of cardiovascular complications.
Diabetes
A broken tooth can increase the risk of diabetes by making the body more prone to infections. Severe dental problems may lead to higher inflammation and serious complications, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. Prioritizing oral health is essential to avoid further health problems and prevent unnecessary pain and disability.
Dementia
Broken teeth can cause a rise in bacteria levels in the mouth, which has been linked to dementia. When bacteria spread through the bloodstream to the brain, they may worsen symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. Taking care of oral health can help reduce the risk of memory-related diseases.
Signs That May Indicate a Broken Tooth
Knowing if a tooth is broken can be difficult, but certain tell-tale signs can alert you. A frequent toothache, especially while eating or drinking, may indicate decay or poor oral health. Swelling in the gums or a feeling of heaviness in the affected area could also be indicative of an abscess. Ultimately, the best way to determine the issue is by visiting a dentist for an assessment to get the necessary treatment plan.
Best Ways to Treat a Broken Tooth
The first step in treating a broken tooth is to head to a dentist for an evaluation. They will determine the extent of damage and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on factors like decay or infection. The recommended treatments depend on the severity of the breakage and other oral health conditions.
- Dental bonding – This treatment involves applying composite resin to restore the appearance of a damaged tooth. It is ideal for minor breaks or chips and is shaped in place and cured with a special light.
- Crowns – A porcelain or metal crown is fitted on top of the natural tooth to protect it from further damage while restoring its shape, function, and appearance. This is a suitable option for severe fractures.
- Root canal therapy – If the root is damaged due to trauma, this procedure is recommended to save the tooth. The infected tissue is removed, sealed, and filled to prevent further issues.
- Tooth extractions – When damage is too extensive and cannot be repaired with bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy, removal becomes the last resort after all other options are exhausted.
- Dental implants – If a broken tooth is extracted, an implant can replace it. The implant is embedded in the jawbone and topped with a crown, providing a natural-looking replacement that functions like a real tooth.
There are several treatment options to repair a broken tooth, depending on the extent of damage. If a dental emergency occurs, an initial visit can ensure a comfortable, pain-free solution, whether it is a temporary fix or a permanent treatment.
Get Professional Care for Broken Teeth Today
If you are struggling with a chipped tooth, leaving it untreated can lead to significant health issues over time. At Dental Verity, your cracked issue will be properly assessed by a professional to ensure the best treatment. Don’t wait—book an appointment today and get your teeth restored before the problem gets worse.
