Breaking a tooth can be painful and stressful especially when it happens outside of normal clinic hours. Whether your tooth cracks while eating or gets chipped during an accident, knowing what to do right away can prevent more damage and ease your discomfort.
This guide explains how to handle a broken tooth on the weekend, how to care for it at home, and when to contact an emergency dentist.
What to Do If a Tooth Breaks Over the Weekend?
If your tooth breaks over the weekend, stay calm and take quick steps to protect the tooth and reduce pain. Early care helps avoid infection and further damage.
First steps if you break a tooth:
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water to keep the area clean.
Save any broken pieces of the tooth if possible and keep them in milk or saliva.
Apply a cold pack to your cheek near the broken tooth to reduce swelling.
Take pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed and safe for you.
Avoid chewing on the damaged side of your mouth.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Many clinics have advice lines or offer emergency care.
If the damage is serious or causes severe pain, contact a emergency dentist Brisbane for fast help.
How Long Can You Wait With a Broken Tooth?
How quickly you need to see a dentist near me depends on how bad the break is. Small chips may not be urgent, but deep cracks, severe pain, or bleeding need quicker care.
When you should not wait:
If the break exposes the nerve (pulp)
If you feel sharp pain when eating, drinking, or breathing in cold air
If there is bleeding that does not stop
If the tooth feels loose or has sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek
How long can you wait with a broken tooth?
For serious breaks, visit your dentist within 24 to 48 hours. Waiting too long can lead to infection, tooth loss, or the need for more complex treatments like root canals or extractions.
How to Temporarily Fix a Broken Tooth at Home?
If you cannot see your dentist right away, there are a few ways to protect your tooth and reduce pain while you wait for treatment.
Temporary ways to care for a broken tooth at home:
Use dental wax or temporary filling material (from a pharmacy) to cover sharp edges.
Rinse with warm salty water to clean the area and reduce bacteria.
Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort (avoid aspirin for children).
Eat soft foods like yoghurt, soup, or mashed potatoes, and avoid chewing on the broken side.
Stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that may irritate the tooth.
How to temporarily fix a broken tooth at home?
Temporary solutions can help protect the tooth, but they are not a replacement for professional dental care. Always follow up with your dentist to fully repair the tooth.
Can You Leave a Broken Tooth for a Week?
Can you leave a broken tooth for a week?
It is not safe to leave a broken tooth untreated for a long time. Even if the pain goes away, the break can allow bacteria to enter, causing infection, decay, or abscesses.
Risks of leaving a broken tooth too long:
Infection in the tooth or gums
Pain and swelling that may get worse
Higher chance of needing a root canal or extraction
Damage to nearby teeth or gums
If the break is small and painless, your dentist may advise waiting a few days. However, always call your clinic for advice to check if the damage is urgent.
When to Call an Emergency Dentist
You should contact a dentist if:
The broken tooth causes sharp or severe pain.
The break exposes the tooth’s nerve or root.
There is swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection.
The tooth is loose, cracked deeply, or fully knocked out.
A good dentist can help you quickly, even outside of regular hours, to stop pain and prevent further damage.
How to Prevent Tooth Breaks in the Future
While accidents can happen, some simple steps can reduce your risk of breaking a tooth.
Prevention tips:
Avoid chewing ice, hard lollies, or using your teeth to open packages.
Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
Do not bite pens, fingernails, or hard objects.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans.
Treat teeth grinding (bruxism) with night guards if recommended by your dentist.
Don’t Ignore a Broken Tooth
Breaking a tooth on the weekend can be stressful, but quick action helps reduce pain and protect your tooth. Temporary home care can help while waiting, but seeing your dentist as soon as possible is always the best choice.
For urgent dental care, Smile Design Dental is here to support you with trusted emergency help.
FAQs About Handling a Broken Tooth
1. Is it safe to wait until Monday if I break a tooth on the weekend?
It depends on how serious the break is. If you have pain, swelling, bleeding, or nerve exposure, you should not wait. Always call your dentist for advice on whether urgent care is needed.
2. What can I do at home to protect a broken tooth until I see the dentist?
You can cover sharp edges with dental wax or temporary filling material, rinse with salty water, take pain relief if safe for you, and avoid chewing on the damaged side. Eat soft foods and avoid extremes in temperature.
3. What happens if I ignore a broken tooth?
Leaving a broken tooth untreated may lead to infection, more damage, or tooth loss. Even if the pain stops, bacteria can still enter the tooth and cause problems later. It is always best to have a dentist check the damage.