What to do for a broken tooth

If you’ve broken a tooth, it’s important to address the situation quickly to prevent further damage and ensure proper care. Here’s what you should do:

1. Assess the Damage:

   • If the tooth is cracked but not causing much pain, it might be less urgent but still requires attention from a dentist.

   • If the tooth is chipped or broken but the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is not exposed, it’s still important to seek dental care soon.

   • If you are bleeding or the broken tooth has exposed the pulp, you should see a dentist immediately.

2. Control Bleeding (if applicable):

   • If there is any bleeding, use a clean gauze or cloth to apply gentle pressure to the area to stop the bleeding.

3. Rinse with Warm Water:

   • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris that might be causing irritation.

4. Use Ice or a Cold Compress:

   • If you are in pain or have swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek near the broken tooth to reduce pain and swelling.

5. Protect the Tooth:

   • If the break is sharp or jagged, cover the broken tooth with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum temporarily. This can prevent the sharp edges from cutting your mouth or gums.

   • Avoid chewing on the side of the broken tooth to prevent further damage.

6. Pain Relief:

   • If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage the discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label.

7. Avoid Certain Foods:

   • Until you’ve seen a dentist, avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods that could aggravate the damage or cause more pain.

8. See a Dentist:

   • Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They will assess the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment, which could range from a filling or crown to a root canal or extraction, depending on the extent of the break.

   • If the damage is extensive or involves a large part of the tooth, they may need to restore it using a crown or other restorative options.

9. Follow-up Care:

   • After treatment, make sure to follow any care instructions provided by your dentist, such as avoiding certain foods or maintaining oral hygiene routines to promote healing.

If you can’t reach your dentist immediately and the pain is unbearable, consider visiting an emergency dental clinic or the emergency room, especially if the break is severe or accompanied by infection symptoms like swelling or fever.