What should I avoid if I have a broken tooth?

If you have a broken tooth, you need to steer clear of biting down on hard foods such as nuts or candy or things that are overly chewy. You may also notice that the affected area is sensitive to hot or cold, such as when you eat hot food and then drink a cold beverage. Regular dental visits are important because they help your dentist diagnose and treat problems -- such as cracked or broken teeth--in the early stage. If your broken tooth is left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss or infection.

If you have a broken tooth, there are several things you want to avoid including chewing on the tooth (especially anything hard such as an apple or hard candy) or drinking very hot or cold beverages, which may worsen the pain. If the root of the tooth is exposed, avoid touching it, as this can cause damage to the cells, making reattachment difficult. If you have the piece of the tooth that broke off, gently rinse it to remove dirt, but do not scrub it. If your tooth is loosened or pushed out of position, you can gently try to reposition it in your mouth, but never force it back into place. When taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, choose ibuprofen, not aspirin, which may cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.