• To treat a broken tooth with an exposed nerve, see a dentist as soon as possible.
  • Home remedies can help relieve pain, but are not a substitute for dental treatment.
  • If a broken tooth is left untreated, it can lead to infection and affect other organs in the body.

  • Do not postpone a visit to a dentist. Find urgent dental care services on Authority Dental.

Are you suffering from the pain of a broken tooth? Here is everything you need to know.

How to manage pain from a broken tooth at home

To get relief from the pain caused by a broken tooth at home, you can try pharmacological products and home remedies. Do not postpone seeing a doctor even if your pain seems to subside.

Harry Lee

Harry Lee, DMD

As a general dentist, I can tell you that there are few things as uniquely painful as the pain from a broken tooth with an exposed nerve. It is an urgent, relentless pain, and the calls we get on nights and weekends are often from people in pure desperation. While the home remedies in this article are effective for temporary first aid, it is crucial to understand they are only a bridge to professional care, not a definitive solution.

Pain medication

You can use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to manage your pain. 

If the pain is severe and keeps you up at night, take 600 mg ibuprofen and 650 mg acetaminophen every 4-6 hours to help with the pain. Adults should not take more than 3200 mg of ibuprofen or 3000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours. 

If you are unsure whether you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, consult your doctor before taking these medications.

Do not apply medications for internal use directly to the affected area. This can be dangerous, even if the medicine is in the form of syrup.


OTC dental anesthetics

Over-the-counter dental anesthetics, such as Orajel, can help reduce pain. Dental anesthetics are topical products. You can apply such a cream or gel directly to the injured area.

Some of these medicines contain benzocaine. Note that this substance can be hazardous for young children.

Harry Lee

Harry Lee, DMD

I have had patients who, in a state of excruciating pain, have tried packing a broken tooth with unproven substances, which only worsens the situation. The approved remedies, such as ibuprofen and saltwater rinses, are intended solely for one purpose: to make you comfortable enough to visit a dentist's office. Think of an exposed nerve like any other severe injury. You would not treat a deep gash at home; you would go to the ER. This is the dental equivalent. Getting immediate professional treatment is not just about stopping the pain—it is about preventing a dangerous infection.

Sensitivity toothpaste

Apply a pea-sized amount of sensitive toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, on the tooth that’s causing you pain. Do not brush the toothpaste off, and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes afterwards.

Flossing

Flossing helps you remove food debris that puts pressure on the damaged tooth. Without this pressure, you may get some temporary pain relief.

Remember that food particles feed the bacteria in your oral cavity. When you floss, you minimize the risk of infection in a vulnerable or damaged tooth.

Rinsing with warm salt water

Rinsing with warm salt water is another simple and effective way to provide mild pain relief and soreness in the mouth. This can be done as many times as needed throughout the day.

Peppermint tea bag

Place a peppermint tea bag in warm water for 5 minutes, then apply it to the area of the chipped tooth. Make sure the tea bag is not too hot. 

Sleeping with head elevated

Sleeping on your side with the head elevated helps reduce swelling of the soft tissue around the broken tooth. This, in turn, reduces pressure and pain.

For sleeping on your side, a single pillow is sufficient. If you prefer to sleep on your back, consider using more pillows.

Harry Lee

Harry Lee, DMD

One of the most common misconceptions is that if the pain subsides, the problem is gone. That could not be further from the truth. An exposed nerve is an open wound that provides a direct pathway for bacteria to invade the pulp of your tooth and, from there, your jawbone and bloodstream. This is not just a toothache; it poses a serious risk of infection. Research published in the Journal of Endodontics highlights this danger, revealing that pulpal and periapical diseases (infections inside and around the tooth) lead to over ~400,000 emergency department visits annually in the United States alone.

FAQ

Will pain from a broken tooth go away on its own?

It may disappear briefly when the nerve of the tooth dies. However, you may still experience pain due to the pressure on the periodontal membrane located under the root. If the tooth is not treated, the infection will continue to spread, and the tooth will eventually become painful again. If left untreated for a prolonged period, the bacteria causing the infection can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.

What is the best painkiller for tooth nerve pain?

The best at-home remedy for tooth pain is to take 600 mg of ibuprofen and 650 mg of acetaminophen every 4-6 hours to help with the pain. Adults should not take more than 3200 mg of ibuprofen or 3000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.

How to know if your broken tooth has exposed nerves?

Severe pain usually accompanies nerve exposure. Cold foods and drinks often cause sharp pain in the tooth, but hot foods and biting down on the tooth can also cause significant pain. The pain will likely keep you up at night as it progresses, so it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.