Enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, is one of the hardest substances in your body. But with one bite of hard pizza crust or a bad fall on the basketball court, your tooth could suddenly crack or break entirely. It’s scary to think about, but staying calm makes a big difference in the ultimate outcome. So, how should you handle a broken tooth? Read on to learn what to do during this dental emergency.
Rinse and Check the Damage
Rinse your mouth with warm water and add salt if it’s handy to help reduce bacteria. Swishing gently will help clear away debris and mildly reduce pain. Look for bleeding, swelling, or other signs of injury so you can deal with them later.
Control Bleeding and Swelling
Bite down on clean gauze or a paper towel to slow any bleeding. You can also hold a cold compress against your cheek to ease swelling and pain. If that doesn’t work, over-the-counter pain relievers can help take the edge off.
Protect Your Mouth from Sharp Edges
A jagged tooth can cut your tongue, lips, or cheeks. Grab some sugar-free gum or dental wax to temporarily cover these areas and keep your soft tissues safe.
Save Any Pieces You Find
Check your mouth and the immediate area to find any pieces and store them safely so your dentist can look at them. Sometimes, a cleanly broken piece can be re-bonded, but in most cases, the pieces can be used to do shade-matching for restorations or help your dentist determine the extent of the damage.
Go Easy on the Tooth
Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth and stick to soft foods for now. You should also skip anything that’s very hot or cold, as it might cause pain if the nerves are exposed. Also, clean the area carefully to avoid further damaging the tooth.
Call Your Dentist
As soon as you can, ideally the same day, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. Getting care for a broken tooth quickly can often mean the difference between saving the tooth and losing it.
A broken tooth is stressful, but it doesn’t have to become a crisis. Having a plan to follow now sets you up for the best possible outcome for your smile later.
About the Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, our team offers emergency dental care, including at-home guidance over the phone and same-day appointments when possible. We’ll walk you through every treatment option, process your dental insurance claims, and work with you to see if financing or a membership plan could make your care more accessible. If you have a broken tooth, call (972) 820-7294 to schedule your emergency visit.