A Teenager's Guide to Braces

Cracking or chipping a tooth can be a painful experience, but there are a few remedies you can use to ease the pain and get the situation under control before visiting your dentist. Use this guide to help care for a chipped or cracked tooth, and be sure to contact your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for more permanent repairs.

Control The Bleeding

Depending on how you damaged your tooth, you may experience some bleeding around the tooth. Rinse your mouth out with lukewarm water to remove the excess blood. Avoid extremely hot or cold water, as this could cause additional pain if you have an exposed nerve as part of your injury. Place a piece of sterile gauze around the damaged tooth and hold it there to stop any additional bleeding. In the event that you can't control the bleeding, seek emergency medical care through your local emergency room.

Manage The Swelling

You can use an ice pack on your cheek or lip near the damaged tooth to keep swelling to a minimum, and it can also help to numb the area and reduce potential pain associated with the injury. If you don't have an ice pack handy, you can also use a cold, wet washcloth, which can also make it easier to apply the cold directly to the gum or cheek area.

Avoid Eating

If you are able to see your emergency dentist right away, avoid eating or drinking before the visit. This will keep the tooth and gums free from food particles, and it may also prevent further damage to the tooth. In the event that you aren't able to see the dentist right away, ask the dentist or hygienist for any advice on which foods to avoid until you are seen. You may be told to stay away from certain hard or chewy foods until the tooth is repaired.

Use Temporary Cement

If your dentist can't see you on the same day, consider using temporary dental cement to cover the damaged part of your tooth until you can be seen. The cement can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy, and it can protect the damaged part of your tooth until it can be repaired. You can ask your dentist's office about which brand or type of cement is recommended for your injury when you call to schedule your appointment.

It's important to remember that none of these remedies can fix your broken or chipped tooth. While they can reduce some of the symptoms, you'll still want to see your emergency dentist to begin repairing the damage.