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broken tooth or dental appliance: first aid

overview

if a tooth or dental appliance breaks, take the following steps:

  • remove loose dentures and the parts of broken dentures.
  • find the pieces.

    find any pieces of tooth or the broken dental appliance and take them with you when you go to see your dentist. your dentist will want to check for missing pieces of tooth or dental appliance that may have been left in a wound, swallowed, or inhaled into the lungs (aspirated).

  • reduce bleeding.

    if the top (crown) of a tooth has been broken, apply a small piece of cotton or gauze soaked in hydrogen peroxide to the crown to help reduce bleeding.

  • protect your mouth.

    if an orthodontic wire, bracket, or jagged edge of a tooth is poking you, roll a piece of candle wax or orthodontic wax and press it onto the part. a broken wire can be pressed toward your teeth with a pencil eraser.

related information

credits

current as of: august 6, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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