How to Deal with a Broken Tooth: A Quick Guide

A broken tooth can be painful and alarming, but don’t worry! Whether it’s a small chip or a major break, there are steps you can take right away to ease discomfort and protect your tooth until you can get to the dentist. Here’s a simple guide on what to do if you find yourself dealing with a broken tooth.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

It’s easy to panic when you first notice a broken tooth, but staying calm is key. Take a moment to assess the damage:

Is it a small chip, a crack, or a major break?

Is there pain? Pain may mean the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp, is exposed.

Is the tooth bleeding? This could mean the break is more severe.

The more you know about the break, the better you can describe it when you call your dentist.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. Salt water helps to reduce bacteria and keep any exposed parts of the tooth or gums clean, lowering the risk of infection.

3. Control Any Pain or Swelling

Pain and sensitivity are common with a broken tooth, so here’s how you can manage it:

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain and inflammation.

Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area.

Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover any sharp edges of the broken tooth and protect your tongue or cheek from cuts.

4. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

While waiting for a dental appointment, try to avoid foods and drinks that could make things worse:

Stay away from hard or sticky foods like nuts, ice, or candy, which could cause more damage to the tooth.

Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks because a broken tooth is usually more sensitive to temperature.

Skip sugary or acidic foods to prevent further irritation to the tooth.

5. Temporary Fixes for Minor Chips

If the chip is small and not painful, you might be able to wait a day or two to see the dentist. However, covering the chipped area with dental wax (found at most pharmacies) can protect the sharp edges and keep it from cutting your cheek or tongue.

6. What to Do with a Larger Piece of Broken Tooth

If a big part of your tooth breaks off, try to save the piece if you can. Place it in a container with milk, saliva, or a saline solution to keep it moist. Bring it with you to the dentist—sometimes, they can reattach it.

7. Call Your Dentist ASAP

Even if the break doesn’t seem serious, it’s always best to call your dentist and set up an appointment as soon as possible. A broken tooth can weaken your smile, making it more likely to get damaged again, or it can lead to infections if left untreated.

When you see your dentist, they’ll likely recommend one of these treatments, depending on the severity of the break:

Dental bonding for small chips.

A crown for larger breaks.

A root canal if the nerve is damaged.

Extraction and replacement if the tooth is beyond repair.

8. Preventing Future Breaks

Once you’re out of the woods with this broken tooth, here are a few tips to keep your smile safe from future breaks:

Avoid biting on hard objects like pens, ice, or hard candies.

Wear a mouth guard if you play sports or grind your teeth.

Practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a broken tooth can be stressful, but quick action can ease pain and prevent further damage. Following these steps will help protect your tooth until you get professional care. Remember, a broken tooth is treatable, and your dentist has many ways to restore your smile!

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