Broken or Chipped Tooth? 5 Temporary Fixes Until You Reach the Dentist

woman dealing with mouth pain and a dental emergency

Broken or Chipped Tooth? 5 Temporary Fixes Until You Reach the Dentist

Why PGA Dentistry Should Be Your First Call in a Dental Emergency

You’re taking a bite of your nachos. Crunch. Something feels wrong. You run your tongue across your front tooth, and panic sets in—a piece is missing. Or maybe you took an elbow playing pickup basketball, and now half of your molar is sitting in your hand.

A broken or chipped tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies we see at PGA Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens, and it always happens at the worst possible moment—Friday night, the day before a big presentation, or right before vacation photos.

But don’t panic! There’s hope yet. If you act quickly and wisely, you can protect the tooth, minimize pain, and significantly improve the chances of saving it permanently.

Here are the 5 proven temporary fixes our emergency patients use successfully every single week—plus exactly when (and how urgently) you should arrive at our office at 7100 Fairway Dr, Ste 59. However, let’s be brutally honest: these are temporary measures only. Even if the pain stops and it “looks okay,” microscopic cracks can travel deeper, bacteria can invade the pulp, and what starts as a $300 repair today can turn into a $2,500 root canal + crown tomorrow.woman with mouth pain looking for emergency dentistry

Which means you need to contact our emergency dentist in Palm Beach Gardens as soon as possible. We’ll get you in and make sure that your dental emergency doesn’t cause any further damage than it already has. Contact our dental team today at (561) 627-8666 for an appointment.

Rinse Immediately — But NOT With Mouthwash

The very first thing you should do (within seconds if possible) is gently rinse with warm water. This clears debris, blood, and bacteria. Do NOT use alcohol-based mouthwash, as it can irritate exposed dentin and actually increase pain.

  • Pro tip from Dr. Ajmo: Add a pinch of salt to the warm water. It reduces swelling and has mild antibacterial properties.

If the broken tooth piece is large enough to find, place it in a clean container of milk or your own saliva (yes, really). Teeth survive longer in these solutions than in water or dry air.

Control Bleeding and Swelling with the “Pressure + Ice” Combo

Any trauma that chips or fractures a tooth usually causes gum bleeding. Fold a piece of clean gauze (or a tea bag, as the tannic acid helps clotting) and bite down gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your cheek for 15 minutes on and then 15 minutes off. This reduces inflammation and numbs the area. Avoid putting ice directly on the lips.

Cover Sharp Edges with Dental Wax or… Sugar-Free Gum?

A jagged edge can slice your tongue or cheek with every word. The classic fix is over-the-counter orthodontic wax (available at any pharmacy). Warm a pea-sized piece in your fingers and press it over the sharp area. No wax? In a pinch, soften sugar-free chewing gum and mold it over the edge. It’s surprisingly effective for a few hours. Just don’t chew on that side!

Pain Relief — What Actually Works (and What Can Make It Worse)

Ibuprofen is usually the best choice because it fights both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is fine if you can’t take NSAIDs. Please, no “whiskey on the tooth” old-wives’-tale nonsense; alcohol dehydrates the exposed nerve and increases pain.

The “Clove Oil Trick” Patients Swear By3D Cone Beam CT Scan at PGA Dentistry

Eugenol (the active ingredient in clove oil) has been used in dentistry for over a century because it’s a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Dip a cotton swab in clove oil (dilute with a drop of olive oil if it’s too strong), and dab it on the exposed area. You’ll feel relief in 60 to 90 seconds. Do NOT pour it directly into a deep fracture; too much eugenol can irritate the pulp.

When Is It Truly an Emergency? (Hint: More Often Than You Think)

Call PGA Dentistry at (561) 627-8666 immediately if you experience any of these:

  • The tooth is cracked vertically, or the chip exposes pink/red tissue (that’s pulp; infection risk skyrockets)
  • Severe swelling or a “bubble” on the gum (possible abscess)
  • Pain that keeps you awake or shoots into your ear/jaw
  • A front tooth is fractured, and you have photos, interviews, or dates in the next 48 hours (we prioritize esthetics!)

Our Palm Beach Gardens emergency dentist is here when you need it!

The Bottom Line

A broken or chipped tooth is scary, but it’s almost always fixable—if you don’t wait. Use the 5 temporary fixes above to buy yourself time and protect the tooth, then call PGA Dentistry at (561) 627-8666. Don’t gamble with your smile. One quick visit today can save you weeks of pain and thousands of dollars tomorrow.