Half my tooth broke off
Your teeth are an invaluable asset and under-appreciated. By not taking proper care of your teeth, you can lose teeth, encounter damaging decay, require an extraction, and deal with unnecessary pain of serious tooth issues. Here are some common causes why you might have a tooth break off and what you can do to treat it.
Tooth Decay
The leading cause of tooth loss is tooth decay. This is more than a small cavity that gets filled but more widespread decay that will attack the pulp and the root of the tooth, killing the root and resulting in the tooth loosening, falling out or breaking off. Tooth decay can be treated in diverse ways. To begin, you should always be brushing twice a day to remove damaging bacteria and food debris from your teeth to prevent cavities and decay from even starting. You should also schedule regular exams with your dentist every six months to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined as well as having them treated if necessary. Your dentist will propose what dental treatment you might need.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another major cause of tooth loss. Your gums function as a supporting foundation for your teeth. If your gums become unhealthy and have a stage of gum disease like gingivitis, the gums will separate from your teeth allowing bacteria, air, and other damaging contaminants to have access to the roots. If the gum has become compromised your teeth will become loose, wiggly, fall out or even break off because of poor gum health. A proactive way to treat and prevent this type of tooth loss is to improve the health of your gums. Always take the time to brush thoroughly twice daily, use dental floss between your teeth, and add a mouthwash daily to help control and destroy harmful bacteria. Regular visits to your dentist to examine the health of your gums will make sure they are healthy and can support your teeth.
Accidents
A common and frequent cause of a tooth breaking off is an accident. This can mean falling, breaking a tooth, causing damage to the root and then resulting in the tooth dying and falling out or half the tooth breaking off. If you can get to your dentist quickly while the root is still alive, they might be able to reattach the broken tooth. In some cases, accidental tooth loss will require treatment to either restore the tooth or to replace it.
Bone Loss
Another cause for tooth loss, or a broken tooth, is from bone loss. As we grow older our bones lose density which will lead to the atrophy of your jawbone. If you lose a lot of bone mass this will also affect the overall health of your teeth. If your teeth are no longer stable and secure in a strong jawbone, they can begin to break off. A way to prevent jawbone loss is to take supplements that help protect the integrity of your bones. Your dentist can also identify when bone loss is becoming an issue and catch bone loss early so it will not affect the overall health of your teeth.