What To Do If You Break a Tooth: First Aid & Immediate Steps

Breaking a tooth should always be considered a cause for concern, even if you aren’t feeling pain. While a minor chip may not need immediate attention, any damage to a tooth can become a bigger problem if it isn’t addressed by your dentist in a timely manner.

Signs of a Broken Tooth

Although pain and a missing portion of the damaged tooth are the most common indicators of a broken tooth (usually after a blow to the mouth or biting into something hard), other signs indicate a broken tooth, including:

• Visible cracks or fractures in the tooth.
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting down.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Bleeding or swelling around the tooth.
• A jagged or sharp edge along the tooth that wasn’t previously evident.
• A piece of tooth loose in the mouth.

If you have suffered an injury and suspect a broken tooth, immediate first aid and a call to Whiteman Dental Associates are essential to prevent infection, protect your oral health, and, if possible, restore your tooth.

Immediate First Aid for a Broken Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris and clean the area. It’s important not to use mouthwash or other rinses as they can irritate the area.
• Control any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Bite down gently until the bleeding stops or slows.
• If a portion of the tooth has broken off completely, pick it up carefully without touching the interior area (the pulp) and place it in milk or wrap it in clean, wet gauze to keep it moist until you can be seen by Dr. Whiteman.
• To reduce any swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. A bag of frozen peas works well for this.
• If the tooth’s pulp is exposed, you can purchase temporary dental wax at a drugstore. This wax can be applied to the area to protect it until you can be seen by the dentist.
• Take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a similar over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize any pain until you can be seen by the dentist. Applying clove oil to the tooth can also help.

Call Our Office at Whiteman Dental Associates Phone Number (617) 731-4746

The chances of successfully repairing a broken tooth are higher if you can be seen by Dr. Whiteman within the first few hours after the tooth breaks. Contact our office immediately after your injury. If it is after office hours, our answering service will advise you on the appropriate steps to take.