What to Do with a Broken Tooth Until You Get to a Dentist

A Broken Tooth—What Should You Do?

Breaking a tooth can be distressing, whether it happens from a fall, biting into something hard, or an accident. The pain, sensitivity, and risk of further damage make it essential to act quickly. But what should you do before you can see a dentist?

The good news is that there are immediate steps you can take to protect your tooth, manage pain, and prevent infection. This guide outlines exactly what to do with a broken tooth until you get professional dental care.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Not all broken teeth are the same. Some may only have a small chip, while others might have deep fractures or even be knocked out completely. Understanding the type of damage can help determine the best course of action.

• Minor Chip or Crack: If the damage is small and doesn’t cause pain, it may not be urgent, but it still requires a dentist’s attention.
• Large Break or Fracture: A more severe break can expose the nerve inside the tooth, leading to pain and increased sensitivity.
• Tooth Knocked Out (Avulsed Tooth): If the entire tooth has come out, it requires immediate action to improve the chances of saving it.

Once you’ve identified the severity, follow the appropriate next steps.

Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth Carefully

After a tooth breaks, bacteria can enter the damaged area, increasing the risk of infection. Rinsing your mouth helps clean away debris and reduces the chance of further irritation.

• Use warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to rinse gently.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can cause additional irritation.

Step 3: Stop Any Bleeding

If your broken tooth has caused bleeding, it’s important to stop it as soon as possible.

• Use clean gauze or a soft cloth to apply gentle pressure to the affected area.
• If the bleeding continues after 10 minutes, bite down on a damp tea bag—tea contains tannins that can help constrict blood vessels.

For more severe injuries, where bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, seek emergency care immediately.

Step 4: Manage Pain and Swelling

Pain from a broken tooth can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing. You can reduce pain and swelling with these steps:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time. This helps minimize swelling and numb the area.

If pain worsens or becomes unbearable, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Step 5: Protect the Tooth Until Your Appointment

Depending on the type of break, different temporary measures can help prevent further damage before you see your dentist.

For a Minor Chip or Crack:

• Avoid chewing on the damaged side to prevent worsening the break.
• If the sharp edges of the tooth are irritating your tongue or cheek, apply sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax over the broken area.

For a Large Break with Pain or Sensitivity:

• Cover the exposed area with temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies).
• Avoid very hot or cold foods, as the nerve inside the tooth may be exposed.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth:

• Do not touch the root—only handle the tooth by its crown (the part that is normally visible).
• If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place while getting to a dentist.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva to preserve it. Avoid storing it in plain water, as this can damage the tooth’s cells.

For the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth, see a dentist within 30–60 minutes.

Step 6: Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

What you eat and drink after breaking a tooth can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel before your dental visit.

Avoid:

• Crunchy or hard foods (nuts, crisps, raw vegetables)
• Sticky foods (chewing gum, toffee)
• Extremely hot or cold drinks
• Sugary foods that could cause irritation or decay

Safe Options:

• Soft foods (yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs)
• Lukewarm water for drinking and rinsing
• Smooth soups or stews that don’t require much chewing

Being mindful of your diet can help protect the tooth until professional care is available.

Step 7: Contact a Dentist as Soon as Possible

Even if the pain subsides, a broken tooth should never be ignored. The damage could worsen over time, leading to infection, further breakage, or even tooth loss.

This information helps the dentist assess how urgent your case is and schedule an appropriate appointment.

How a Dentist Can Treat a Broken Tooth

Once you reach the dentist, the right treatment will depend on the extent of the damage. Some common solutions include:

• Dental Bonding: For minor chips, a tooth-coloured resin can repair the damage.
• Crowns: A dental crown (cap) may be needed for larger breaks to restore strength and function.
• Root Canal: If the break exposes the nerve and causes severe pain, a root canal may be required to save the tooth.
• Extraction: In cases where a tooth is too damaged to be repaired, removal may be necessary, with options for replacements like dental implants.

Don’t Ignore a Broken Tooth—Bundall Dental and Implants Can Help

A broken tooth is a dental emergency that should never be ignored. Taking quick action can make a significant difference in preventing infection, reducing pain, and preserving your tooth.

If you’ve broken a tooth, Bundall Dental and Implants is here to help. Our expert team provides professional care for dental emergencies, including chipped, fractured, and knocked-out teeth. Contact us today to book an appointment and get the treatment you need.