Written by: Emily Joswiak • December 11, 2025• Health + Wellness

Just Broke a Tooth? Here’s What To Do Next

Breaking a tooth can be a jarring experience that leaves you with questions. Here are the immediate steps you should take for a broken or chipped tooth.

A man in a black crewneck shirt resting his hand on his cheek, mouth open, revealing a missing upper tooth.

Teeth can break for all sorts of reasons, from munching on hard candy to an accidental tumble. But the reason behind your broken tooth doesn’t matter—what matters is that you’re missing part of your tooth and are likely in some discomfort! What can you do to address your now-fragmented smile? If you just broke a tooth, here’s what you’ll want to do next for the best possible outcome out of this less-than-fun situation.

Assess the Break

First, you’ll want to see how big the break is. A small chip might feel rough to your tongue but cause little to no pain. A larger fracture could expose the inner layers of your tooth, which could lead to sensitivity or a sharp ache. A quick look in the mirror can help you determine the severity of the damage.

Call Your Dentist

Your next step is to schedule a visit with your dentist. Even if the break seems minor, a professional evaluation can catch underlying issues that aren’t visible. Explain what happened over the phone, and they’ll advise you on the urgency of the situation and schedule an appointment.

Avoid Irritating the Tooth

Until you see your dentist, try to protect the broken tooth. You can do this by chewing on the other side of your mouth and avoiding very hot, cold, or sugary foods. These can trigger sensitivity in the exposed part of the tooth, which can be quite uncomfortable.

Manage Discomfort

For any pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever can provide temporary relief. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also soothe the area and help keep it clean. Just mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth gently, and spit it out.

Prevent Infection

A broken tooth can be vulnerable to bacteria. If your broken tooth gets infected, you may need more than just a simple fix. Many people with badly damaged teeth need root canals; some indications you’re one of them include if your gum tissue is swollen or you experience severe tooth pain. Rinsing the area with a saltwater solution can help wash away bacteria and food debris that could otherwise lead to an infection in your vulnerable, damaged tooth.

What’s Next for Your Smile?

If you break a tooth, follow these steps! The faster you take action to protect your exposed nerve and get to a professional for evaluation, the better chance you’ll have to save the tooth. Your dentist has the tools and expertise to address the problem, so let them work their magic.

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