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You may have bitten down on a hard food or object, or perhaps you had a cavity that weakened your tooth. Either way, your tooth is now broken, and the steps you take to care for it will determine whether you get to keep your natural tooth or not. Millions of people suffer from broken teeth every year, so you are not alone. However, that does not mean your newly cracked tooth does not need immediate attention.

What is a broken tooth?

A broken tooth is one that has been fractured, chipped, cracked, broken apart, or completely knocked out of the mouth. You may or may not feel your tooth break, depending on the extent of the break and whether your tooth was decaying prior to the break. It is usually very easy to diagnose a broken tooth, because the evidence will be visible. In the case of hairline cracks in the teeth, you may start to note a sensitivity to hot or cold in the neighborhood of the fracture.

The Right Way to Handle a Broken Tooth

As soon as you know your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, make an appointment to visit our emergency dental office. Even the tiniest fractures require attention: bacteria can infect the fractured area, which could cause you to lose the tooth altogether.

Until you are in our office, you can manage your pain using over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol, or you can apply a cold compress to prevent swelling and inflammation. Be sure to rinse your mouth with warm salt water after every meal until you are able to visit us.

Keep in mind that while pain medication is an effective way to manage a broken tooth at home, it is only a temporary fix. Broken teeth should not be treated solely at home, and over-the-counter solutions are not substitutions for professional dental care. Failing to make an appointment with Doctors Bauer, Lawrenz, and Stark after breaking or chipping a tooth can place your health at risk.

Treatment

Treating your broken tooth will depend on the type of break you have and how much of the tooth is affected. A minor chip or tiny fracture line may easily be repaired with bonding. On the other hand, a more serious break that exposes the tooth's pulp may require a root canal or extraction to prevent infection. Ultimately, our team here at Champlin Family Dental will explain to you the best treatment plan based upon our evaluation of the condition and extent of your break.

If you have broken, cracked, chipped, or fractured one or more of your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately. We specialize in emergency dental care and are available to serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Curious about EmFace and EXION? These two non-invasive treatments work together to lift, tone, and tighten your skin—no needles, surgery, or downtime needed. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right fit.

Meet EmFace: Lift and Tone, Naturally

Known as the “non-surgical facelift,” EmFace gently lifts and tones facial muscles, softens fine lines, and leaves skin looking refreshed and smooth.

How It Works:
Using gentle electrical stimulation and radiofrequency (RF), EmFace activates muscles and collagen for a natural lift and glow. Think of it as a workout for your face, with RF to smooth and firm.

Benefits:

• Lifts and refreshes, especially around the cheeks and forehead
• Softens fine lines and smooths skin texture
• Completely non-invasive, with zero downtime

If you’re looking for a simple way to get a refreshed look without needles, EmFace is a great option.

EXION: Contour and Tighten

For anyone wanting more definition, EXION is an ideal choice. This treatment goes deeper to tighten skin layers and contour areas like the jawline and neck. Dr. Bauer’s EXION treatment for her lips shows how effective it is for adding definition and fullness in targeted areas!

How It Works:
EXION uses radiofrequency to penetrate deeper skin layers, which encourages tightening and can even reduce small amounts of fat, making it ideal for contouring areas with more laxity.

Benefits:

• Firms and contours areas like the jawline and neck
• Adds subtle fullness, as seen in Dr. Bauer’s lip enhancement
• Non-invasive with no recovery time needed

Can You Combine Them? Absolutely!

EmFace and EXION are designed to work together. EmFace provides lifting and toning, while EXION delivers deep contouring for a full-face refresh—all without invasive procedures.

Every skin journey is unique. Whether you’re interested in a natural lift, more contour, or both, we’ll create a plan that suits your goals. Book a free consultation to get started and see how these treatments can help you look and feel your best!

Brushing your teeth properly removes the food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. However, you do not want to scrub your teeth or gums heavily. A heavy hand can lead to tooth and gum erosion, as Doctors Bauer, Lawrenz, and Stark and our staff see all too often.

You should also use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging the surface of your teeth. Make sure the head of the brush fits in your mouth, because if it is too large you will not be able to reach all tooth surfaces. Follow these steps to ensure you are brushing properly.

1. Use a small amount of toothpaste on your brush. The recommendation is a pea-sized amount or thin strip on the bristles.
2. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the surface of your teeth, angling towards your gums. Use a circular motion on all exterior tooth surfaces, and avoid back-and-forth “scrub” brushing.
3. Once you have cleaned the outer surfaces, hold the brush vertically and clean the inner teeth surfaces — the side of your teeth that face your tongue. Do not forget the inner surfaces of your front teeth.
4. Finally, finish by cleaning all the chewing surfaces of your teeth. You need to maintain a gentle touch, but make sure you get into the full depth of your molars. The entire process should take about two minutes.

Doctors Bauer, Lawrenz, and Stark and our staff recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months for best results. Do not forget to clean your tongue, which helps remove excess bacteria from your mouth. Special brushes are available just for cleaning your tongue, and they are easy to use.

Proper care of your teeth also requires flossing on a regular basis. Flossing can be performed before or after you brush. Following up with a quality mouthwash will provide you with even more protection. Do not be afraid to ask the Champlin Family Dental team for tips on proper brushing and flossing.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate the importance of good oral hygiene! We’re proud to recognize our wonderful team of dental hygienists—Camille, Alyssa, Danielle, and Kiera—who work hard to keep your smile healthy and bright. Their expertise and dedication make a real difference in our patients' lives, especially as we enter the candy-filled season of Halloween!

Why Dental Hygiene Matters

Good oral hygiene is essential to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Daily habits, combined with regular professional cleanings, are key to maintaining a strong, healthy smile. By taking care of your teeth now, you can avoid more serious issues down the road—and keep your smile looking great!

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health (Especially Around Halloween!)

With Halloween candy right around the corner, here are some practical tips to protect your teeth and enjoy the season:

• Brush Twice Daily: Sugary treats can accelerate cavity formation, so brushing twice a day is extra important this season. After enjoying candy, make sure to brush to remove lingering sugars and acids that can harm your enamel.
• Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that your toothbrush might miss, especially between teeth. Candy and sticky treats can get lodged in those hard-to-reach spots, so be diligent with your flossing routine!
• Limit Sugary Treats: Enjoy Halloween candy in moderation by savoring it after meals or limiting it to specific times of day. This helps minimize the time sugar stays on your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
• Hydrate and Rinse: Drink water and rinse your mouth after consuming sugary snacks to help wash away sugars and acids. Staying hydrated also supports saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth from decay.
• Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings: There’s no better time to schedule a dental cleaning! Regular checkups help catch potential issues early, keeping your smile in top shape. A post-Halloween cleaning can be especially beneficial to remove any buildup from seasonal treats.

Are you ready for a clean, fresh start after Halloween? Schedule your dental cleaning today and keep your smile healthy and bright!