Breaking a tooth can be stressful and painful, especially if it happens suddenly while eating, playing sports, or after a fall. However, many people are not sure what to do if they break a tooth or whether it counts as a dental emergency.
Knowing the right steps to take before you reach the dentist can help protect your tooth, reduce discomfort, and lower the risk of further damage. Let’s guide you through this blog that explains what to do straight away and when emergency dentistry care is needed.
Cracked Tooth vs Chipped Tooth: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between a cracked tooth vs chipped tooth can help explain why urgent care is often recommended. Let’s take a look at each one first.
- Chipped tooth: A small piece of enamel has broken off. It may not hurt immediately, but it can worsen if left untreated.
- Cracked or fractured tooth: A deeper break that may extend into the inner layers of the tooth. This often causes pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature.
Regardless of whether you experienced a cracked or chipped tooth, these situations should be checked by a dentist, as even minor damage can progress over time.
Signs You May Need Emergency Dental Care
Some tooth breaks require prompt dental emergency care, especially if certain symptoms are present.
Here are some signs you should seek urgent care:
- Ongoing or severe pain
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Sensitivity that worsens
- Visible cracks running down the tooth
If you notice any of these, they may be tooth fracture symptoms that indicate more serious damage or infection risk. When that happens, it’s best to seek emergency dental care to have a dental professional look after your broken or chipped tooth.
But before you could reach the dentist, here are some first aid tips to do if you break a tooth before going to the dentist.
Ways to Do If You Break a Tooth Before Reaching the Dentist
Stay Calm and Check the Damage
If you experience a tooth break, the first step is to stay calm and assess what’s happened.
Look for:
- Sharp or rough edges on the tooth
- Pain or sensitivity to air, cold, or pressure
- Bleeding from the gums or around the tooth
- Swelling in the mouth or face
Not all broken teeth feel painful straight away, but damage can still be serious. Even a small chip may expose the inner layers of the tooth over time.
Rinse Your Mouth Gently
After a tooth break, rinse your mouth gently with clean, lukewarm water. This helps:
- Clear away blood or debris
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Make it easier to see the extent of the damage
Avoid using very hot or cold water, as this may trigger any sensitivity.
Locate the Broken Tooth Piece
Knowing what to do with a broken tooth piece can sometimes make a difference. So, after assessing the damage and if a piece of the tooth has come off, locate the chipped piece and keep it with you.
If possible:
- Pick it up carefully
- Rinse it gently with water (do not scrub)
- Place it in a clean container with milk or saliva
Placing the chipped or knocked out piece in milk or saliva helps protect the tooth and keep it moist. This also prevents the cells on the root from dying, which will increase the chance of reattachment by the dentist.
Bring the piece with you to your appointment. In some cases, your dentist may be able to assess whether it can be used or provide guidance on repair options.
Control Bleeding and Reduce Swelling
If there is bleeding:
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a soft cloth
- Keep pressure on the area for about 10 minutes
For swelling or discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek
- Use it in short intervals (10–15 minutes at a time)
This can help with pain relief for a broken tooth and reduce inflammation before your dental visit.
Protect the Tooth Until You See a Dentist
If the tooth has sharp edges or feels sensitive, protecting it can prevent further injury.
Temporary steps may include:
- Covering sharp edges with temporary tooth covering (dental wax) if available
- Avoiding chewing on that side of the mouth
- Choosing soft foods until you see a dentist
Do not use glue or household adhesives on your tooth. These products are not safe for oral use.
How Emergency Dentistry Can Help
Emergency dentistry is focused on getting you safe and comfortable first, then protecting the tooth so it does not worsen before a full repair is planned. When you’ve had a tooth break, quick care can reduce pain, lower the risk of infection, and help your dentist save as much natural tooth as possible.
Depending on what’s happened, your dentist may:
- Smooth rough edges
- Place a temporary or permanent restoration
- Protect the tooth from infection
- Discuss next steps for long-term care
If you’re unsure how urgent your situation is, it’s still worth calling for an early check to help prevent a small break from turning into a bigger dental emergency.
Acting Early Makes a Difference
Breaking a tooth can be upsetting, but knowing what to do if you break your tooth can help you stay calm and in control until you reach the dentist. Simple steps like rinsing, protecting the tooth, and seeking timely care can make a real difference.
If you’ve experienced a tooth break and need emergency dentistry in Crows Nest, NSW, the team at My Solutions Dental Clinic is here to help.
Call us at (02) 9055 0355 or book online to get an appointment right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What should I do first if I break a tooth?
Stay calm, rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water, and check the area for sharp edges, bleeding, swelling, or pain. Even if the broken tooth seems small, it’s still best to contact a dentist for advice.
2) What to do if you break your tooth and it hurts?
If you have pain, avoid chewing on that side, stick to soft foods, and use a cold compress on your cheek in short intervals (10–15 minutes). If pain is severe or getting worse, this may be a sign that you need emergency dentistry.
3) Is a tooth break always a dental emergency?
Not always, but it can be. If you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or a deep crack, you may need dental emergency care urgently. If you are unsure, calling MySolutions Dental Clinic is a safe next step.
4) What’s the difference between a cracked tooth vs chipped tooth?
A chip usually affects the outer enamel and may not hurt at first. A crack or fracture can extend deeper into the tooth and may cause pain when biting or sensitivity. Both should be checked because they can worsen over time.
5) What to do with a broken tooth piece if it comes off?
If you can find it, pick it up carefully, rinse it gently with water (don’t scrub), and place it in a clean container with milk or saliva. Bring it to your appointment so your dentist can assess it.
6) Can I cover a broken tooth at home until I see the dentist?
If the tooth has a sharp edge, you may use temporary tooth covering (dental wax) from a pharmacy to reduce irritation. Do not use household glue or adhesives, as these are not safe for the mouth.
7) What are tooth fracture symptoms that need urgent care?
Seek urgent help if you notice ongoing severe pain, swelling of the face or gums, bleeding that does not stop, sensitivity that worsens, or a visible crack line. These signs can mean more serious damage or an infection risk.
8) How can emergency dentistry help with a broken tooth?
Emergency dentistry aims to stabilise the tooth and protect it from further damage. Depending on the situation, your dentist may smooth sharp edges, place a temporary or permanent restoration, reduce sensitivity, and plan the next step for long-term repair.
