Throughout our lives, we'll break bones, laws and hearts among other things. But we may never think of breaking our teeth, since nature intended us to keep our teeth for a lifetime.

But when you break a tooth, the most important thing you can do is act fast -- that means go see your dentist as soon as possible!

Broken teeth can happen in an accident or can slowly develop over time from wear and tear. If you take care of your teeth the way you should -- which means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash and visiting the dentist regularly, you are more likely to keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.

If you're not taking care of your teeth the way you should, you are more likely to suffer from gradual tooth loss.

A break that extends into the deep layer of your tooth is very serious. The inside of the tooth (pulp) is very sensitive and can be damaged easily. Bleeding is also a very serious sign that there is a big problem with a broken tooth, especially with permanent teeth.

If you knock out one or your permanent teeth it is vital to see a dentist immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for your dentist to put it back in.

There is a 30-minute window in which teeth can be effectively re-attached. After 24 hours, chances decrease significantly.

Here are some other useful tips:

• If you lose a permanent tooth, try to put it back in place. Be careful not to swallow the loose tooth.
• If unable to fit the tooth back in your mouth, keep it in a small amount of milk.
• A cold compress will help with pain and control bleeding with direct pressure.
• See your dentist right away!

To keep your teeth in their most optimal condition and avoid chips and breaks, here are a few rules to follow:

• Don't chew on ice or pens/pencils.
• Don't use your teeth as tools.
• If you grind your teeth at night, see your dentist about a night guard.
• Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Avoid sucking on anything high in acidity (lemons, vitamin C and/or aspirin).

A broken tooth can result in tooth death -- requiring a root canal. A knocked-out tooth can shift the rest of your teeth, making proper oral hygiene more difficult.

Make sure to seek immediate medical help if you're ever in an accident. Soon after you get checked out by your doctor, you'll also need to see your dentist if you've had any trauma to the mouth or face. Your dentist can make sure no serious damage has been done to your teeth or their roots.