{"id":93,"date":"2025-10-05T06:29:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T06:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thornvilledental.com\/blog\/?p=93"},"modified":"2025-11-05T06:32:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T06:32:49","slug":"heres-how-to-handle-a-broken-tooth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thornvilledental.com\/blog\/heres-how-to-handle-a-broken-tooth\/","title":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s How to Handle a Broken Tooth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Uh oh \u2014 you\u2019ve just broken a tooth! Whether it happened while biting into something hard or from an unexpected fall, a broken tooth can be both painful and stressful. The good news is that your dentist can often repair the damage and restore your smile with the right treatment. Knowing what to do in the moments after the break occurs can make a big difference in protecting your tooth<\/a> and preventing further complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What to Do Right After Breaking a Tooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you break a tooth, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. Not every break is an emergency, but it\u2019s always important to have a dentist evaluate the damage as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take while waiting for your appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Rinse your mouth:<\/strong> Gently rinse with warm water to clear away any debris. If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure with a piece of gauze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Save any pieces:<\/strong> If part of your tooth has broken off, try to locate and save the fragment. Place it in milk or saline solution to keep it moist until your dentist can assess it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Reduce swelling:<\/strong> Apply a cold compress to your cheek to minimize pain and swelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Avoid chewing on that side:<\/strong> Stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on the affected area until your dentist can repair it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If the tooth is severely broken or causing intense pain, it\u2019s best to contact your dentist immediately. According to Colgate, severe breaks that expose the tooth\u2019s inner layer or nerve require prompt professional care to prevent infection or further damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common Causes of Broken Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Teeth can break for many reasons. The most common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n