As a dental professional with years of experience, I understand the importance of maintaining oral health and the urgency that comes with a broken tooth. While it's crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible, there are some steps you can take at home to alleviate discomfort and protect the tooth until you can get to a dentist. Please note that these are temporary measures and should not be considered a long-term solution.

Step 1: Assess the Damage
The first thing to do is to assess the extent of the damage. If the tooth is only slightly chipped and there's no pain, it's still important to see a dentist, but the urgency may be less. However, if the tooth is sharp and causing pain, especially when biting down or if it's cutting your tongue, you'll want to address this immediately.

Step 2: Control the Pain and Bleeding
If there's any bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with warm water. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Avoid using aspirin directly on the tooth as it can cause a burning sensation and may delay healing.

Step 3: Protect the Nerve
If the break exposes the inner part of the tooth, known as the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, it's important to protect it from further damage. Cold temperatures can cause pain, so avoid cold foods and beverages.

Step 4: Use Temporary Filling Material
For a more significant chip, you can use a temporary filling material, which can be found at your local drug store. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. These materials are designed to be a temporary solution and should not be left in place for an extended period.

Step 5: Apply Dental Wax
Dental wax is another temporary solution that can help smooth sharp edges and prevent your tongue or cheek from being cut. You can find dental wax at most pharmacies and apply it by rolling it into a small ball and pressing it onto the sharp area of the tooth.

Step 6: Avoid Hard Foods
Until you can see a dentist, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could further damage the tooth or dislodge the temporary filling.

Step 7: Schedule a Dental Appointment
It's essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can lead to more serious issues if not treated promptly. The dentist will assess the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include a crown, a filling, or other dental procedures.

Step 8: Maintain Oral Hygiene
Continue to brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the affected area to avoid causing further damage or discomfort.

Remember, these are temporary measures. A broken tooth is a dental emergency and should be treated by a professional as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

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At-Home remedies for a sharp broken or chipped tooth cutting your tongueTry to see your dentist first: don't put a Dremel tool in your mouth! ... Go to your local drug store and ask for temporary filling material. ... Wax is another temporary solution. ... Anything that sticks to the tooth could be a temporary solution.More items...read more >>