What to Do With a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth can be a painful and alarming experience—whether it's caused by biting into something hard, a fall, or an unexpected accident. While it may be tempting to wait it out or self-diagnose, taking immediate and appropriate action is essential to avoid infection, further damage, or long-term dental issues.

Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

First things first—don’t panic. Broken teeth vary in severity:

• Minor chips might just affect the enamel.
• Cracks can go deeper and reach the dentin or even the pulp.
• Severe breaks may expose nerves, cause bleeding, and result in significant pain.

Assess whether you’re bleeding, in pain, or have any tooth fragments remaining.

Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to:

• Clean the area
• Remove blood or debris
• Reduce the risk of infection

Avoid cold water if the tooth’s nerve is exposed—it can cause sharp pain.

Stop the Bleeding (If Any)

If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth for about 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues, seek immediate emergency care.

Save the Tooth Fragment (If You Can)

If a piece of your tooth has broken off, try to find it and rinse it gently with water (no soap or chemicals). Store it in:

• A container of milk
• Saliva (place it between your cheek and gums if safe)
• A tooth preservation solution if available

Sometimes, a dentist can re-attach the fragment, especially if you get to the clinic quickly.

Apply Cold Compress for Swelling

To reduce swelling and pain, place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel against your cheek. This is especially helpful if you’ve experienced trauma or an injury to the face.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (If Needed)

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and avoid aspirin if you’re bleeding, as it may thin the blood.

Avoid Eating or Chewing on the Affected Side

Until you can see a dentist, try to eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side with the broken tooth. Hot, cold, or sugary items might trigger pain or sensitivity.

See a Dentist as Soon as Possible

Don’t delay! Even if the damage seems minor, a broken tooth can:

• Worsen over time
• Become infected
• Lead to nerve damage or abscesses

Your dentist will determine the best treatment depending on the extent of the damage, which could include:

• Dental bonding or filling for small chips
• Crowns for larger breaks
• Root canal if the pulp is affected
• Tooth extraction and replacement if the damage is beyond repair