A tooth cracks while you are eating, what do you do? If you think that a piece of a tooth broke off while you were eating, it is important to note if you are experiencing any pain. Usually when a tooth fractures you will feel a sharp area on the tooth with your tongue. It often seems like it is difficult to keep your tongue from touching this area and this may cause your tongue to get sore. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to determine the extent of damage to your tooth especially if you are experiencing pain. Most dental offices have after hours availability for their patients of record. If you are unable to contact a dentist, avoid biting on this tooth until you can get it examined. Severe constant pain could indicate that the crack has exposed the nerve of the tooth and this could lead to a tooth abscess and a dentist should be consulted as soon as possible. No pain or slight sensitivity to cold is common and it is important to avoid further injury to the tooth until it can be evaluated. Do not place an aspirin on the tooth directly because this can cause more injury to the tooth and may cause a burn of the oral mucosa. If you are experiencing pain you can take over the counter medication like acetominophen or ibuprofen for temporary pain relief but be sure to get your tooth checked by a dentist as soon as possible. A small fracture in a tooth can sometimes feel like a large hole to your tongue and may be just a minor problem but it is important to have this seen and treated appropriately to prevent more damage. Most small tooth fractures are easily repaired and should not cause you any long term problems.
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