I broke my tooth on a hard candy and now it hurts. What should I do?

Q: I broke my tooth on a hard candy and now it hurts. What should I do?

A: A broken tooth can be painful and requires prompt attention to prevent further damage or infection. For temporary relief, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosage instructions, and avoid chewing on the affected side. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to keep the area clean. However, it’s critical to see a dentist as soon as possible, even if the pain subsides, as this could indicate nerve damage or other complications. Delaying treatment may increase the risk of needing a root canal, extraction, or more extensive procedures. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an evaluation and protect your tooth.

Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years.
www.michaelmaksimdds.com