Broken or Fractured Teeth: At-Home Temporary Care Measures
These temporary measures should NOT be considered substitutes for professional dental treatment. It's imperative to visit a dentist as soon as possible for proper care.
Rinse Your Mouth:
- Gently rinse with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.
Control Bleeding:
- If there is any bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area and apply gentle pressure.
- Continue for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
Pain Management:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain. Avoid using any pain medication that has previously caused side effects or adverse reactions or that your doctor has advised against due to potential side effects or adverse reactions.
Cold Compress:
- If there is swelling, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.
- Do this for 20 minutes at a time.
Cover Sharp Edges:
- If the broken tooth has left sharp edges, cover them with dental wax (Rexall sells Dental Was) to protect your tongue and inner cheek.
Eat Soft Foods:
- Stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth.
- Avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks which can trigger pain.
Keep the Fragment:
- If you can find the broken piece of the tooth, save it and bring it to your dentist. In some cases, they may be able to reattach it.
Avoid Chewy and Hard Foods:
- These can cause further damage to the tooth or cause pain.
