How to Relieve Broken Tooth Pain at Home Until You Can See a Dentist

Understanding Broken Tooth Pain

A broken tooth can be an extremely painful experience. The exposed inner layers of the tooth contain sensitive nerves and tissue that are normally protected by the hard outer enamel. When this protective layer is damaged or lost, these inner layers are exposed to air, hot and cold temperatures, and pressure, all of which can cause severe pain.

Some of the most common causes of a broken tooth include chewing hard foods like nuts or candy, trauma from sports injuries or accidents, grinding or clenching your teeth, and advanced tooth decay. The location and severity of the break or crack will determine how much pain you experience and whether the tooth can potentially be saved with dental treatment.

Relieving Broken Tooth Pain at Home

Its always best to see a dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment when you have a painful broken tooth. However, you can temporarily relieve broken tooth pain at home until youre able to get professional dental care with these methods:

Rinse with Warm Salt Water

Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can help draw out fluid, reduce inflammation, and keep the area clean. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water, swish the solution gently around the affected area for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat as needed for pain relief.

Apply a Cold Compress

Applying something cold like an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area, relieving pain and swelling of the damaged tooth. Apply for 10-15 minutes at a time, repeating as needed.

Take an Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever

Anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can temporarily alleviate broke tooth pain. Use as directed on the package labeling. The numbing effect of products like Orajel applied directly on the gums may also provide some pain relief.

Rinse with Whiskey or Vodka

Swishing an alcoholic beverage like whiskey or vodka around the mouth can have a numbing effect and disinfect an exposed tooth. Pour a small amount onto a cotton swab and gently dab it onto the affected area, or swish 1-2 tablespoons around your mouth. Spit out when done. Do not swallow any alcohol.

Chew on a Whole Clove

Cloves have natural numbing and pain-relieving properties that can temporarily relieve tooth pain when gently chewed. Hold the clove against the painful area for several minutes with your tongue or teeth to release the oils before chewing lightly. Be careful, as cloves can break off into tooth cavities.

Apply Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can have a numbing effect similar to liquor. Dip a cotton swab in a small amount of extract and gently apply to the affected area, or rinse your mouth with about 1 teaspoon. You can repeat this up to a few times an hour as needed for pain relief.

When to See a Dentist for Broken Tooth Pain

While you can temporarily ease symptoms at home, its important to make an appointment with your dentist right away if you have a broken tooth. Putting off treatment can allow the tooth damage to get worse and increase your risk of dental issues like infections, abscesses, or loss of the tooth.

See your dentist immediately if you experience any of these signs along with a painful broken tooth:

• Visible cracks, chips, or breaks in the tooth enamel
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
• Throbbing, severe pain that keeps you up at night
• Swelling or bleeding of the gums around the affected tooth
• Fever, headache, earache, sinus pain, or sore throat along with tooth pain

Your dentist will take x-rays to check if there are any unseen cracks extending down into the tooth or root, examine your bite alignment, and look for dental abscesses or infection. Depending on the location and amount of damage, treatments may include tooth repair with dental bonding material, a crown or cap, or a root canal and dental post or implant.

Preventing Broken Teeth

There are a few key things you can do to reduce your risk of cracked, broken, or fractured teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or activities where your face may get hit
• Avoid chewing hard items like ice, nuts, or candy
• Get cavities treated promptly before they can weaken tooth structure
• Don't use your teeth to crack nuts or open bottles
• See a dentist right away if you chip or break a tooth
• Ask your dentist about bite guards if you clench or grind your teeth

Practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental cleanings and checkups can help protect your tooth enamel and catch problems early. However, accidents do happen. Being aware of methods to temporarily relieve broken tooth pain until you can get to the dentist can help ease your discomfort.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.