How to Handle a Broken Tooth in 5 Steps

Step One: Rinse and Assess

Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. If there’s bleeding, apply light pressure with a piece of gauze or a clean cloth until it stops. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide—they can irritate the exposed area and make things worse.

Next, try to locate the broken piece if possible and store it in a small container of milk or saline solution. In some cases, your dentist may be able to reattach it.

Step Two: Protect the Tooth

If the broken tooth has a jagged or sharp edge, cover it with dental wax or sugar-free gum to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your cheek. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until your dentist can examine it.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with discomfort, but avoid applying pain medication directly to the tooth or gums—it can cause irritation.

Step Three: Call Your Dentist Right Away

A broken tooth always requires professional care, even if it doesn’t hurt right away. Cracks and breaks can expose the inner layers of your tooth, leaving it vulnerable to infection or further damage. The sooner you contact your dentist, the better the chance of saving the tooth and preventing complications.

If you’re in significant pain or notice swelling, it may qualify as a dental emergency. You can find more information about what to do in these situations here.

Step Four: Follow Professional Treatment

Your dentist will determine the best way to repair your tooth depending on how severe the break is. For minor chips, a quick bonding procedure can restore the tooth’s shape and appearance. For larger breaks, a dental crown may be needed to protect the remaining structure.

If the damage extends into the pulp (the inner nerve of the tooth), a root canal might be necessary before placing a crown. In rare cases, if the tooth is too damaged to repair, extraction and replacement options—like a bridge or dental implant—may be recommended.

Step Five: Prevent Future Breaks

Once your tooth is repaired, it’s important to protect your smile going forward. Avoid chewing ice or hard candies, and don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a custom nightguard to prevent wear and cracks.

A broken tooth can be stressful, but quick action and a visit to your dentist can help restore your smile and comfort in no time.

About the Practice

Bradford Dental Care provides expert emergency dentistry and comprehensive restorative treatments to help patients recover from unexpected dental problems. Led by Dr. Bower and Dr. Vazquez, our practice offers same-day appointments and personalized care to restore your smile’s health and strength.