Broken Tooth Hurting? Expert Steps for Pain Relief and Care

A broken or fractured tooth is a common dental issue that requires professional attention. If you have a broken tooth hurting, it is often a sign that the inner layers of the tooth—the dentin or pulp—have been exposed to air, temperature changes, or pressure. While you cannot treat a fracture at home, you can take immediate steps to manage pain and protect the tooth until you reach a dental office.

What Causes Teeth to Break?

Fractures often result from physical trauma or structural weakness, including:

• Biting down on hard objects.
• Direct impact to the face or mouth.
• Collisions where the face or mouth hits an object.
• A cavity that has weakened your tooth.
• Previous dental work that has compromised the tooth’s integrity.

Immediate At-Home Care

If you have a broken tooth, contact your dentist immediately. In the interim, follow these steps to minimize discomfort:

• Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Manage Bleeding: Apply pressure with clean gauze for 10 minutes. If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag can help; the tannic acid in tea aids in blood clotting.
• Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek to soothe pain and minimize facial swelling.
• Protect the Tooth: Use temporary dental cement (available at most drugstores) to cover sharp edges or exposed areas.
• Dietary Adjustments: Avoid hot or cold foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth to prevent further irritation.

Common Types of Tooth Fractures

• Craze Lines: Minor surface cracks in the enamel. These rarely need treatment, though a dentist may polish rough spots.
• Chips: Small pieces of enamel break off. These are the most common dental injuries; they may be smoothed or repaired with filling material.
• Broken Cusp: A piece of the chewing surface breaks off, often on a tooth with a previous filling. This usually requires a new filling, onlay, or crown.
• Cracked Tooth: A fracture extending from the chewing surface toward the root. If it doesn’t reach the root, a root canal and crown can often save the tooth.
• Split Tooth: A vertical fracture resulting in two separate parts. These often require extraction, though some may be partially saved via root canal.
• Serious Breaks: Deep fractures exposing the nerve. These are painful and often bleed; they typically require a root canal and a crown, or extraction if the damage is too severe.
• Vertical Root Fracture: A crack starting in the root and extending upward. These are often asymptomatic until the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed or infected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fix a broken tooth at home?

No. At-home measures are only for temporary pain management, and you cannot truly fix a broken tooth at home. A dentist must evaluate the depth of the fracture to determine if the tooth can be saved or if it requires extraction.

What if my broken tooth doesn’t hurt?

Even without pain, a fracture can harbor bacteria, leading to hidden decay or infection. It is essential to have it checked to prevent the crack from worsening.

Why does my tongue feel the break so intensely?

The tongue is highly sensitive and acts as a magnifying tool, which often makes a small chip or crack feel much larger and more jagged than it actually is.

How long do dental crowns last?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental crowns can typically last 5 to 15 years, depending on your oral hygiene and the amount of wear and tear the tooth experiences.