Search, “Is a broken tooth an emergency?” on Google and you’ll get over a million results. Google is great, but this search engine superstar is not a dentist.

25% of all children experience dental trauma and 33% of adults will experience accidental damage to their permanent teeth.

Learn what could happen if you don’t act fast after one of these dental disasters:

 

“Chipped teeth” is the most common dental injury, according to the American Association of Endodontists. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, a chipped tooth will start to hurt more over time. This can include increased sensitivity to hot and cold, as well as difficulty biting. Even slight pain can signal a damaged nerve or blood vessel. And if you don’t act fast, your insignificant chip can take on the form of an abscessed tooth.

This painful infection takes place between your tooth and gum line. Stemming from injury or poor dental health, an abscessed tooth can be disguised as a toothache. But time is of the essence with this infection. Over time it can cause openings in your enamel, allowing bacteria to infect your pulp and bones supporting your teeth.

Even if they have their permanent pearly whites, kids’ teeth aren’t fully developed, making them more susceptible to root damage. The longer you wait to take your child to a professional after a dental disaster, the greater the risk of a root canal.

It’s important to be prepared if and when a mouth mishap happens. Be sure to take the time to see a dentist and leave the perils of your pearly whites to the professionals.