Broken tooth, also known as a dental fracture, is a common dental problem for people of all ages. A broken tooth can occur due to various reasons such as dental trauma, biting hard food, grinding teeth, dental decay, and weakened tooth structure.

It is important to understand the risks associated with a broken tooth as it can lead to severe dental problems if left unattended. In this article, we will discuss what risks a broken tooth poses to your health.

1. Severe Pain and Discomfort

When a tooth breaks, the pulp inside the tooth may be exposed, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that are highly sensitive, and any disturbance can result in pain.

The pain may worsen while chewing or biting, and even a slight touch can cause discomfort. If you are experiencing severe toothache, you should visit your dentist immediately to avoid the risk of infection and further damage to the tooth.

2. Infection

When a tooth is broken, the inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, is exposed, which can lead to the development of bacteria.

Bacteria can cause infection and inflammation in the tooth, which can spread to the surrounding areas, including gums and jawbone. Moreover, a broken tooth can also increase the risk of gum disease. It is essential to seek dental treatment as soon as possible to prevent any infection or inflammation.

3. Tooth Loss

A broken tooth can cause the pulp inside the tooth to die, which can lead to tooth loss. If the pulp is damaged severely, the tooth may not be able to be saved by a filling or crown.

In such cases, the dentist may need to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or bridge. It is important to preserve your natural teeth as they play a vital role in supporting the jawbone and maintaining a healthy smile.

4. Misaligned Bite

A broken tooth can affect your bite and cause misalignment, which can further lead to TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and can cause pain and discomfort.

Moreover, a misaligned bite can also cause wear and tear on other teeth, which can lead to further dental problems. It is important to get your broken tooth restored to its original shape and size to maintain proper dental alignment.

5. Difficulty in Chewing

A broken tooth can cause difficulty in chewing and biting, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. If you are unable to eat certain foods, you may miss out on essential nutrients that are necessary for maintaining a healthy body.

Moreover, difficulty in chewing can also worsen your toothache and cause severe pain. It is crucial to get your broken tooth treated as soon as possible to avoid any further dental problems.

6. Changes in Speech

A broken tooth can also affect your speech as it can alter the way you pronounce certain words. It can cause a lisp or slurred speech, which can affect your confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, changes in speech can also affect your professional and personal life. It is important to get your broken tooth treated to restore your speech and confidence.

7. Jaw Pain and Headaches

A broken tooth can cause jaw pain and headaches due to the misalignment of the teeth. The pressure on the surrounding teeth can cause pain in the jaw joint, which can further lead to headaches.

Moreover, jaw pain and headaches can also lead to stress and anxiety, which can affect your overall health. It is important to seek dental treatment to avoid any further pain and discomfort.

8. Digestive Problems

If you are unable to chew your food correctly, it can lead to digestive problems such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Poor digestion can affect your overall health and lead to various health problems.

It is essential to maintain proper dental health to maintain overall body health.

9. Dental Anxiety

A broken tooth can cause dental anxiety as it can lead to various dental procedures such as root canal, extraction, and filling. Dental anxiety can affect your dental health as it can prevent you from seeking necessary dental treatment.

It is crucial to overcome dental anxiety and seek dental treatment to avoid any further dental problems.

10. Dental Expenses

A broken tooth can increase your dental expenses as it may require various dental procedures such as root canal, extraction, and filling. Moreover, if the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

Dental expenses can be a significant financial burden, and it is important to maintain proper dental health to prevent any unnecessary expenses.

In conclusion, a broken tooth can pose various risks to your health, including severe pain, infection, tooth loss, misaligned bite, difficulty in chewing, changes in speech, jaw pain, headaches, digestive problems, dental anxiety, and dental expenses.

It is crucial to seek dental treatment as soon as possible to avoid any further dental problems and maintain proper dental health.