how to fix a broken tooth at home

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

21-01-2025

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How to Handle a Broken Tooth at Home: Emergency Care and When to See a Dentist

A broken tooth is a painful and frightening experience. While you can't fix a broken tooth at home permanently, you can take steps to manage the pain and prevent further damage until you can see a dentist. This is crucial; delaying professional care can lead to infection, further tooth damage, and even loss of the tooth.

What to Do Immediately:

1. Find the Broken Piece (If Possible): Carefully search for any fragments of your tooth. Rinse them gently with water and store them in a container of milk or saline solution. This increases the chances of your dentist being able to reattach the piece.

2. Control the Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze pad or cloth for 10-15 minutes. Biting down on a clean tea bag can also help clot the blood.

3. Manage the Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions carefully. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and pain.

4. Protect the Broken Tooth: If there's a sharp edge, you can temporarily protect it by covering it with a piece of sugar-free gum or a small piece of dental wax (if you have some on hand). This will help prevent further injury to your tongue or cheek.

5. Rinse Your Mouth Gently: Rinse your mouth gently with saltwater (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water). This helps clean the area and prevent infection. Avoid using mouthwash, as alcohol can irritate the injured area.

What NOT to Do:

• Don't touch the broken area excessively. This could introduce infection.
• Don't try to force the broken pieces back together. Leave this to your dentist.
• Don't apply pressure directly to the exposed tooth nerve.
• Don't use toothpaste directly on the broken tooth. The abrasives may irritate the exposed nerve.
• Don't ignore the injury. Seek professional dental care as soon as possible.

Types of Broken Teeth and Home Management:

The best approach depends on the type of fracture:

• Cracked Tooth: This usually involves a small crack in the enamel. While you may feel sensitivity, it often doesn't require immediate dental intervention. However, monitoring is key, and professional treatment may be needed to prevent further damage.
• Chipped Tooth: A small piece of the tooth breaks off. Often just cosmetic, but you should still seek professional evaluation and repair.
• Fractured Tooth: This involves a larger break, sometimes exposing the dentin or pulp (the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). This needs immediate dental attention. Use the steps above to manage pain and bleeding until you can see a dentist.
• Avulsed Tooth (Completely Knocked Out): This is a dental emergency requiring immediate attention. Gently rinse the tooth in milk or saline solution and try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If re-insertion isn't feasible, keep the tooth in the milk or saline solution and head to the dentist immediately. Time is critical in saving an avulsed tooth.

When to See a Dentist Immediately:

You should seek immediate dental care if:

• You have significant pain.
• There is excessive bleeding.
• The broken tooth is affecting your ability to eat or speak.
• A large portion of the tooth is broken.
• You suspect the tooth is infected.

Conclusion:

While home remedies can help manage the pain and bleeding from a broken tooth, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. Prompt treatment from a dentist is essential to prevent complications and restore the health and function of your tooth. Don't hesitate to seek professional help—your dental health is worth it!