Uh oh! You were enjoying your favorite snack or maybe took a fall, and suddenly—you feel that sharp edge on your tooth. A broken tooth can be alarming, but staying calm and taking the right steps can make all the difference in saving your smile. Here’s how to handle a broken tooth and what your dentist can do to help.
Step 1: Rinse and Assess the Situation
If you’ve just broken a tooth, start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water to clear away debris and check the extent of the damage. Try to locate any broken pieces of the tooth and keep them safe in case your dentist can use them for repair. If there’s any bleeding, apply light pressure with a piece of gauze until it stops.
It’s important to avoid poking or touching the area with your tongue or fingers, as this can irritate sensitive tissues or introduce bacteria that may cause infection.
Step 2: Manage Pain and Swelling
A broken tooth can cause discomfort, especially if the inner layers of the tooth are exposed. To ease pain and reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 10-minute intervals. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help manage discomfort until you can see your dentist.
Avoid eating or drinking anything extremely hot, cold, or sugary, as the tooth may be sensitive. If you need to eat, choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Step 3: Protect the Tooth
If the broken edge is sharp or jagged, you can protect your tongue and cheeks by covering the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum. This is just a temporary measure, but it can make a big difference in preventing cuts or irritation while you wait for dental care.
If the break has exposed the tooth’s nerve, you may notice severe pain or sensitivity. This is a dental emergency, so contact your dentist right away for guidance on what to do next.
Step 4: Call Your Emergency Dentist
No matter how minor or major the break seems, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even small chips can worsen over time if left untreated. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and determine the best way to restore its structure and appearance.
Depending on the severity of the break, treatment options may include:
Dental bonding for small chips or cracks
Dental crowns for more extensive fractures
Root canal therapy if the inner pulp of the tooth is damaged
Dental veneers for cosmetic repairs on front teeth
The sooner you visit your dentist, the better your chances of saving the tooth and preventing further complications.
Step 5: Prevent Future Breaks
While accidents can’t always be avoided, there are ways to protect your teeth in the future. Avoid chewing on hard foods or objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard, and if you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard. Taking these precautions can go a long way toward keeping your teeth strong and intact.
Accidents happen—but with quick action and the right care, your smile can be restored in no time.
About the Practice
Dr. Sudeep of Sunnyvale Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides prompt, professional care for dental emergencies of all kinds. Whether you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, you can rely on our experience to restore your smile quickly and comfortably. Our practice offers comprehensive restorative and cosmetic treatments, as well as same-day emergency appointments to get patients out of pain fast.
Call us at (408) 547-9101 or request an appointment online.