A broken tooth can be alarming, painful, and inconvenient, but it’s also more common than you might think. Teeth can break due to accidents, sports injuries, biting something hard, or underlying dental issues like cavities and weakened enamel. No matter the cause, knowing what to do immediately after a tooth breaks can make a big difference in protecting your oral health and preventing further complications. Here’s a practical guide on how to handle a broken tooth.
Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
First, don’t panic. Not all broken teeth are the same—some may chip slightly, while others may fracture deeply or break in half. Examine your mouth in the mirror if possible, and check for bleeding, sharp edges, or exposed inner layers of the tooth. If there’s significant pain or the break is severe, it’s likely an emergency that requires prompt dental care.
Rinse Your Mouth Gently
After a tooth breaks, it’s important to clean the area to reduce the risk of infection. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away any debris. Avoid using mouthwash with alcohol, as it may irritate the exposed tooth or gums.
Control Bleeding, if Any
If the broken tooth causes bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area using a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag. Keep pressure on the spot for 10 to 15 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
Manage Pain and Sensitivity
Broken teeth often expose sensitive layers beneath the enamel, leading to sharp pain when eating, drinking, or even breathing through your mouth. To ease discomfort:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (if safe for you).
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Avoid chewing with the broken tooth and stay away from hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks until you see a dentist.
Save Any Pieces of the Tooth
If a fragment of your tooth breaks off, try to save it. Rinse the piece gently with water (do not scrub) and store it in a clean container of milk or saline solution. In some cases, your dentist may be able to reattach it.
Protect the Tooth Until You See the Dentist
If the broken tooth has sharp edges, it may cut your tongue or cheek. To prevent irritation, you can cover the area with dental wax (available at pharmacies) or even a piece of sugar-free gum until your appointment.
Seek Professional Dental Care Promptly
A broken tooth should always be evaluated by a dentist, even if it doesn’t hurt. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the break and may include:
- Dental bonding for small chips.
- Crowns to restore strength and appearance.
- Root canal therapy if the pulp (nerve) is exposed or infected.
- Extraction and replacement for teeth that are too damaged to save.
A broken tooth is not something you should ignore, even if the pain goes away. Acting quickly—by cleaning the area, managing pain, and contacting your dentist—can save the tooth and prevent more serious problems. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of restoring both the function and beauty of your smile.
About the Practice
Here at Longmont Complete Dentistry, we’re more than happy to serve you if you’ve broken a tooth and need to restore it. We can provide solutions like biocompatible cavity fillings, custom crafted dental crowns, painless root canal therapy, and more! Come see why we have a reputation as a top practice that provides professional, compassionate care in a timely manner. Schedule your appointment online or call us at (303) 772-7000.