How I deal with a busted tooth until I can see the dentist

That “phantom” sensation really does mess with your head. I get the urge to keep checking it with your tongue - been there after a cracked molar, and it felt like a canyon even though nobody else could spot it. But I’ve gotta say, I had a different experience with the wax trick. Dental wax held up pretty well for me, but only after I dried the tooth completely with a tissue first. Maybe that’s the difference? Swallowed it once or twice, though… not ideal.

I hear you on the anxiety dreams. For me, the anxiety actually got worse when I avoided eating solid food. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but sticking to just soft stuff seemed to make me hyper-aware of the problem. Eventually, I just cut my food into tiny pieces and chewed on the opposite side, even if it was a little uncomfortable. Somehow, that helped me feel less like I was waiting in dental limbo.

One thing I’d gently push back on - the sugar-free gum. My dentist warned me that some gums (even sugar-free) can stick to the rough edge and pull at it, making things worse or even causing a bigger chip if you’re not careful. I switched to using a bit of orthodontic wax from the pharmacy and haven’t looked back.

Salt water rinses are solid advice - definitely calmed things down for me too. But if you’re dealing with sensitivity, I found dabbing a little clove oil (very sparingly!) on the edge helped take the edge off. Just gotta be careful not to overdo it, since it can burn.

Waiting for the appointment is brutal. I actually called around to a couple of clinics last time and found one that squeezed me in sooner - worth a shot if it ever happens again. Not always possible, but sometimes you get lucky.

Anyway, just wanted to offer a few tweaks to what worked for me. Dental stuff is such a uniquely annoying kind of stress...

That “phantom” feeling is wild - totally agree, it’s like your brain just can’t let it go. I caught myself poking at a chipped incisor with my tongue for days after it happened, and yeah, it felt way bigger than it actually was. Funny how your own perception gets so skewed when it’s inside your mouth.

Interesting point about drying the tooth before applying wax. I never thought about that, but now that you mention it, I probably didn’t do a great job with that step. I just kind of slapped the wax on and hoped for the best. Maybe that’s why mine kept sliding off and I ended up swallowing a chunk mid-sandwich (not my proudest moment). The tissue trick makes sense though - sort of like prepping a surface before putting on a screen protector.

I get what you mean about eating only soft food making things worse mentally. I did the same thing at first - soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes - but after a couple days, I felt like I was babying the tooth so much that it became this huge mental obstacle. Eventually just started eating normally but slower and more carefully, and honestly, that helped me stop obsessing over it.

About gum - I totally get where you’re coming from. My dentist said basically the same thing: sugar-free or not, gum can catch on jagged edges and make things worse. I’m always tempted to chew something when I’m anxious though, so switching to wax was a good call for me too.

I’ve tried clove oil for sensitivity as well, but wow, even a drop too much and it’s like your mouth’s on fire. It works in small doses though.

Curious if anyone’s tried those temporary filling kits you see at the pharmacy? The ones meant to patch lost fillings or chips until you can see a dentist? I’ve always wondered if they’re any better than wax or if they just end up being more hassle than they’re worth...

I just kind of slapped the wax on and hoped for the best. Maybe that’s why mine kept sliding off and I ended up swallowing a chunk mid-sandwich (not my proudest moment).

You’re not alone - half my patients admit to eating more wax than they’d like to remember. As for those temporary filling kits, I’ve seen folks come in with what looks like chewed-up gum mashed into their tooth... usually after the kit didn’t hold up to a bagel. They can work in a pinch if you dry the area really well, but honestly, nothing beats seeing how creative people get with “DIY dentistry.” Ever tried using something totally random before you could get to the pharmacy?

That’s honestly more common than people think - wax just doesn’t want to stay put, especially if you’re eating anything chewy. No shame in swallowing a bit by accident; I’ve heard way weirder stories. The important thing is you tried to protect your tooth until you could get help. It’s not easy dealing with dental stuff on your own, but you did what you could.

Yeah, wax is a lifesaver but honestly, it never sticks as well as you hope. I’ve had it pop off just from talking too much, let alone eating. Swallowing a bit is really not a big deal - happened to me more than once. What matters most is you tried to cover the tooth and keep it from getting worse.

If anyone else finds themselves in the same boat, here’s what’s worked for me: First, rinse gently with warm salt water to keep things clean. Then, dry the tooth as best you can before putting on wax or even a bit of sugarless gum if you’re desperate (not ideal, but better than nothing). Definitely avoid anything hard or sticky until you can get to the dentist.

The anxiety waiting for the appointment is real, though. I remember obsessively checking the mirror every hour, convinced things were getting worse… but usually, if you’re careful, it’ll hold up fine for a couple days. You did exactly what you should - just do your best and try not to stress too much.

Man, I totally get the anxiety part - waiting for that dentist appointment is the worst. I actually tried using a bit of orthodontic wax once, but it just kept sliding off if I had anything to drink. Ended up switching to sugarless gum like you mentioned, which actually held better for me, weirdly enough. The salt water rinse is key though, helps with the soreness too. Honestly, as long as you’re not chewing on the bad side, it usually holds up alright.

I actually tried using a bit of orthodontic wax once, but it just kept sliding off if I had anything to drink.

That stuff never seems to stay put for me either - especially when you’re desperate and just want a little relief. I remember one time, I was stuck with a cracked molar over a long weekend. Tried the wax trick, but after my third cup of coffee it was history. Sugarless gum worked better for me too, even though it felt weird at first.

The salt water rinse is clutch. It doesn’t fix anything, but at least it calms things down enough to get some sleep. Funny how you start planning your meals around which side you can actually chew on... I used to joke that I was on the “left jaw diet” until my dentist could fit me in.

Hang in there - it’s such a pain (literally and otherwise), but you’re doing all the right stuff to get by until you can get it fixed up.

Yeah, I’ve had the same issue with wax just sliding right off if I drank anything warm. Sugarless gum is a decent backup, but sometimes it gets stuck in the wrong spot for me - ever have that happen? I’m with you on the salt water rinse, though. It’s cheap and actually helps a bit, even if it’s just for comfort. Have you ever tried using a temporary filling kit from the drugstore? They’re not perfect, but for a few bucks they can buy you some time if you’re waiting on an appointment.

That’s such a familiar struggle - wax just melting away the second you have tea or coffee. I’ve had sugarless gum stick to my bracket and then somehow wrap around the wire, which was a whole mess to clean up. The salt water rinse is a classic for a reason, though. I did try one of those temporary filling kits once, and honestly, it wasn’t perfect but it made eating way less stressful until I could get in. You’re definitely not alone in this - it’s all about getting by until that appointment.

I get the appeal of those temporary filling kits, but I’m always a bit wary about using them. Once I tried one and it actually made my tooth hurt more - maybe I pressed too hard or trapped something underneath? Salt water rinses seem safer for me, though they don’t really help with eating. I just stick to super soft foods and avoid chewing on that side until I can get in. Anyone else feel like the kits are a gamble?

I totally get what you mean about those kits feeling like a gamble. I tried one after a bracket popped off and left a sharp edge - figured it’d be better than nothing till my ortho appointment. Ended up with more pain and a weird taste, probably because I didn’t get it clean enough first. Now I just stick with the salt water and avoid anything crunchy. The kits seem like a last resort for me, honestly.

The kits seem like a last resort for me, honestly.

Honestly, same here. I tried one of those repair kits once and ended up gluing my lips together (not my finest hour). I swear my anxiety tripled just reading the instructions. Now I just stick to salt water rinses and hope for the best until I can get in to see the dentist. Crunchy food? Not even once - my nerves can’t handle another dental surprise.

I get the hesitation with those kits, but I’ve actually had decent luck with them - at least for temporary fixes. Lost a bracket once and used one to keep things from scraping up my cheek until my ortho could see me. The trick is not overthinking the instructions (easier said than done, I know). Salt water rinses help, but sometimes I just need something to stop the sharp edges from driving me nuts.

That makes me feel a bit better about trying one of those kits... I always worry I’ll mess it up or make things worse, but sounds like they’re not too scary if you just follow the basics. Did you find it hurt at all when you put the stuff on? I’m super jumpy about tooth pain and even the idea of touching a broken bit freaks me out. Wondering if there’s a trick for getting over that initial “ugh” moment.

I totally get where you’re coming from - just the idea of poking around a sensitive tooth sends my anxiety through the roof. I was so nervous the first time I tried one of those temp filling kits, but honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I imagined. The stuff itself didn’t sting or anything, but yeah, that first touch is the worst part because your brain’s just waiting for pain that (at least for me) never really came.

What helped me was taking a few deep breaths and reminding myself I could stop any time if it hurt. Sometimes I’d dab a bit of clove oil around the area first (not on the exposed part, just nearby gums) since that numbs things a bit. Not everyone likes the taste, though... it’s pretty strong.

If it helps, I kept telling myself it was just a temporary thing to get me through until I could see my dentist, not a permanent fix. That took some pressure off about “doing it right” - it’s more about protecting the spot than making it perfect. You’re definitely not alone in being jumpy about this stuff.

That took some pressure off about “doing it right” - it’s more about protecting the spot than making it perfect.

Yeah, that’s exactly it. I overthink everything, so I was convinced I’d mess up the temp filling and somehow make things worse. Turns out, the kit was way less intimidating than it looked - kind of like assembling IKEA furniture, but less likely to end in existential dread. Clove oil’s a solid hack, though I swear it lingers forever... My dentist said as long as you’re not chewing on rocks, those temp fixes are pretty robust.

- Used temp filling kits a couple times - honestly, the first time I was sure I’d glue my jaw shut or something. But like you said, it’s more about keeping stuff out than making it look good.
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“Turns out, the kit was way less intimidating than it looked - kind of like assembling IKEA furniture, but less likely to end in existential dread.”

That’s a pretty accurate comparison. I always feel like I’m missing a step, but as long as the hole’s covered and nothing hurts, it’s fine.
- Clove oil: mixed feelings. The taste hangs around forever and sometimes makes my whole mouth feel weird, but it’s saved me from some brutal nights waiting for an appointment.
- Quick tip: I’ve found that sugar-free gum works in a pinch if you’re desperate and the kit runs out. Not ideal, but better than nothing until you get proper help.
- My dentist once told me not to stress about getting it “perfect” - they’d rather see a messy temp job than exposed nerve. As long as you’re not chewing ice or jawbreakers, those DIY patches hold up better than you’d think.
- Funny thing: one time I tried to “improve” the temp filling with a nail file (don’t do this). Ended up making it worse and had to explain myself at the appointment. Sometimes less is more.
- Anxiety’s real with this stuff - totally get overthinking it. But after doing it a couple times, it’s just another annoying adult task. Like taxes, but with more mouthwash.
- Costs suck, too. Temporary fixes have saved me from paying for an emergency visit more than once.

Overall, as long as you keep the spot clean and avoid anything crunchy, these kits are surprisingly forgiving.

Honestly, I relate to the anxiety part a lot. There’s something about dental stuff that just makes it easy to spiral, even if you know it’s temporary. I totally get what you said here:

“after doing it a couple times, it’s just another annoying adult task. Like taxes, but with more mouthwash.”

That hits. The first time I ever tried one of those temp kits, I was convinced I’d mess it up and make things worse, but turns out they’re more forgiving than they look. I’ve also heard the clove oil thing - used it once and yeah, the taste lingers way too long. Not sure which is worse: the ache or that weird numbing flavor.

I tried the sugar-free gum trick once after a filling popped out on vacation. It actually worked okay for a day or two, though chewing on the other side is basically mandatory. And your dentist’s advice about not stressing perfection seems spot on. In my experience, dentists are just happy you did something to protect the tooth instead of ignoring it.

It’s a pain juggling costs and appointments, but honestly, you’re handling it really well. Temporary fixes aren’t ideal, but they’re way better than nothing when you’re stuck waiting for an opening.

That “annoying adult task” comparison is honestly spot on - nothing like dental problems to make you feel helpless and responsible at the same time. When my kid cracked a molar, we had a similar panic about messing up the temp kit. What helped us: taking it step by step - rinsing with salt water first, then making sure the area was dry before applying the temporary stuff (which is harder than it sounds with a squirmy kid). I’ll say, the dentist told us not to worry about getting it perfect either; just covering the exposed part is usually enough. Sugar-free gum as a backup worked for us too, but we kept checking for any swelling or new pain, just in case. The clove oil - yeah, that flavor haunted our kitchen for days... not sure I’d do that again unless we were desperate.

Salt water rinses are a solid move, and you’re right - getting a dry tooth on a wiggly kid is no small feat. I do get a bit anxious about using sugar-free gum though, since it’s not really sterile... but I get the desperation. Clove oil is effective, but yeah, the taste lingers forever. Just be cautious with swelling or fever - those are my red flags for getting seen sooner.