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

Trying to keep a little one calm with a busted tooth is honestly nerve-wracking. I totally get the worry about sugar-free gum not being sterile - my mind always jumps to “what if this makes it worse?” but sometimes you’re just trying to stop the bleeding or cover up a sharp edge until you can get help. I’ve tried the salt water rinses too, but convincing my kid to swish and not swallow is a whole separate battle.

Clove oil is one of those old tricks my mom swears by, but the taste really does stick around. I always get nervous about using anything strong like that unless I’m sure it’s safe for kids. The swelling and fever thing is spot on - those are my “okay, we’re going NOW” signs, even if it means dragging everyone to urgent care in pajamas.

You’re doing everything right by keeping an eye out for those red flags. It’s tough not to worry, but these little steps make a difference. Hang in there - kids bounce back faster than we think, even if it feels like a crisis in the moment.

The swelling and fever thing is spot on - those are my “okay, we’re going NOW” signs, even if it means dragging everyone to urgent care in pajamas.

This is exactly what I worry about every time - like, I’m constantly checking for the tiniest bit of swelling just in case I’m missing something serious. I hear you about the sugar-free gum too. I’ve read mixed stuff about using it, and honestly, I’d rather not risk it unless there’s no other option. It’s hard to tell what’s actually safe for a kid’s mouth, especially with all the random advice out there.

Has anyone ever tried the dental wax they sell at drugstores? I saw it once near the braces section and wondered if it would work to cover a jagged edge, or if that’s just for braces people. I never know if those things are okay for a busted tooth or if I’d be making things worse.

Clove oil - I’m with you, that taste lingers forever. My mom used to dab it on my gums when I was little, but now that I’m the parent, I’m second-guessing everything. Is it even safe for kids under 6? There’s so much conflicting info online, and my pediatrician just said to stick with Tylenol and cold compresses until we see a dentist.

Getting my kid to rinse with salt water is basically impossible. Half the time she ends up swallowing it and then complains about the taste. I’m always worried that’ll upset her stomach on top of everything else. Does anyone have tricks for getting little ones to actually swish and spit? Or is it just a lost cause until they’re older?

I keep thinking I’m overreacting, but then again, dental stuff can go south fast. What’s the line between “wait for the dentist” and “go to urgent care right now”? Like, is mild pain and a little blood just normal, or should I be more aggressive about getting seen sooner?

Man, I’m right there with you on the salt water - my kid just makes a face and gulps it down like it’s some weird dare. I’ve given up and just hand her a cold washcloth to bite on instead... seems safer for everyone’s sanity.

About the dental wax, I actually tried it once when my son chipped his tooth on a trampoline (don’t ask). It didn’t stick that well, but it was better than nothing until we got to the dentist. I think it’s mostly for braces, but desperate times, you know?

Swelling and fever are my “red alert” too. Mild pain and a bit of blood, I usually wait unless it gets worse or she can’t eat. But if her cheek starts puffing out or she gets a temp, I’m in the car before anyone has shoes on. The line between “wait” and “go” is blurry, but my gut usually tells me when it’s time to panic.

Clove oil - nope, never again. My daughter still complains about the taste from last year. Tylenol and ice seem less traumatic for both of us.

I hear you on the clove oil - my son gagged so hard, I thought we’d never get the taste out. Tylenol and ice are my go-tos too. I’ve tried the salt water thing, but honestly, if it’s just going to end in drama and tears, I just skip it. Cold washcloths seem to do the trick, at least for a few minutes of peace.

That “wait or go” feeling is so tough. I always second-guess myself, but like you said, once there’s swelling or a fever, there’s no hesitation. Have you ever had to deal with a tooth injury late at night? We had one chipped tooth at 10 p.m., and the only thing that kept him calm was an old mouthguard from soccer. Not ideal, but better than nothing.

Dental wax never really worked for us either - it just falls off or gets swallowed half the time. I wish there was something better for those “in-between” moments before you can get to the dentist. Anyway, you’re doing what you can, and sometimes that’s all anyone can ask for.

That mouthguard trick is actually pretty clever - never would’ve thought of that, but desperate times, right? I totally get what you mean about salt water. My youngest acts like I’m trying to poison him if I even suggest it. Sometimes it’s just not worth the battle, especially when everyone’s already stressed.

We had a late-night chipped tooth saga too, and honestly, I just did the “check for blood, check for wiggly teeth, panic a little, then Google everything” routine. Ended up using a cold pack and some Tylenol until we could see the dentist in the morning. The waiting is the worst part… feels like every hour lasts forever.

Dental wax is such a letdown for us too. Half the time it’s gone before it even helps. I wish there was some kind of instant fix for those sharp edges that doesn’t taste like plastic or fall off after two seconds. If anyone ever invents something better, they’ll be a hero to every parent out there.

Anyway, it sounds like you’re handling things as well as anyone could. Sometimes it really is about survival mode till the pros can take over.

The salt water thing cracks me up - I swear my mom used to say it cured everything, but I still gag every time. When I chipped my tooth, I spent half the night convinced I’d have to drink smoothies forever. The wax didn’t help at all, just made me feel like I was chewing on a candle. If anyone invents a fix that doesn’t taste like sadness, I’m buying stock.

Totally get you on the salt water - my grandma swore by it, but honestly, it just makes me think of the ocean in the worst way. When I cracked a molar last year, I tried the dental wax too and yeah... it’s like biting into a candle that’s been sitting in your junk drawer for a decade. Didn’t help much with the sharp edge either.

What actually helped me was using a tiny bit of sugar-free gum (the kind without any weird flavors) to cover the jagged spot until I could get an appointment. Not perfect, but at least I didn’t feel like I was eating birthday candles for dinner. Also, I stuck to lukewarm drinks - anything too cold or hot made me want to jump out of my skin.

I know everyone says “just avoid chewing on that side,” but sometimes you forget and then, ouch. It’s wild how something so small can mess up your whole day. If someone invents a fix that tastes like chocolate instead of sadness, I’m right there with you - take my money.

I’m with you on the lukewarm drinks - anything too cold and it’s like an electric shock straight to my brain. I tried the dental wax once and, yeah, it just made everything taste weird and didn’t really stop the poking from the broken edge. The gum trick sounds clever, though. I was too paranoid it’d get stuck or make things worse, but maybe I should’ve given it a shot.

Honestly, what really threw me off was how much anxiety that tiny chip caused. Like, you think you can just ignore it until the dentist, but then every bite feels like playing Russian roulette. Did you have any luck sleeping? I kept waking up worried I’d grind my teeth and make it worse. Also, did your dentist say anything about using those temporary filling kits you see at the drugstore? I’ve always wondered if those are worth trying or just a waste of money...

every bite feels like playing Russian roulette

That’s exactly it. I remember chipping a molar once and suddenly every meal felt like a high-stakes game - one wrong move and I’d be in agony. As for those temporary filling kits, my dentist said they’re okay in a pinch if you’re careful, but not to rely on them for more than a couple days. They helped me get through a weekend once, but the taste was weird and it crumbled pretty fast. Sleep was rough, too... kept dreaming I’d lost *all* my teeth. Not fun.

I totally get that anxiety - every crunch feels like a gamble when you’ve got a busted tooth. I tried one of those temp kits too, and honestly, the taste alone made me question if it was even safe... Did anyone else notice their tooth felt way more sensitive after using those? I always wonder if it’s better to just leave it alone or try to patch it up until you get to the dentist.

That weird taste from the temp kits is the worst, right? I remember trying one and it almost made my whole mouth feel tingly, not just the tooth. Did anyone else get that? I keep worrying I’ll make things worse if I touch it at all, but then if I leave it open, I’m scared something will get stuck or it’ll get infected. Does patching it up actually help with pain, or just make it more sensitive? I always wonder if using those kits could mess up what the dentist needs to do later. Has anyone had a dentist say it was harder to fix because of a temp patch? I’m just super nervous about making the wrong call and ending up with a bigger problem.

That weird taste is honestly the worst part for me too - like, why does it have to taste like a mix of rubber and sadness? I’ve definitely had the tingly thing happen, and it’s always made me wonder if I’m allergic or just being dramatic. As for patching it up, I’ve noticed it helps with the pain if there’s a big hole, but sometimes it makes the area feel extra sensitive for a bit. I guess it depends on how deep the break is.

I’ve actually asked my dentist about those temp kits before. She said as long as you don’t jam a ton in there or leave it for weeks, they’re usually fine and can keep food out - which is a big deal if you’re worried about infection. She did mention scraping out some of the stuff can be annoying, but nothing that messes up the real fix. I get your anxiety though; every time I mess with a tooth I feel like I’m one step away from disaster.

If you’re stuck waiting, I’d say patching is better than leaving it wide open, but maybe avoid eating jawbreakers or anything wild.

Yeah, that taste is brutal - like chewing on a flip-flop. I’ve used those temp kits a couple times when money was tight and honestly, they’re a lifesaver if you’ve gotta wait. Just don’t eat anything too crunchy or sticky, learned that the hard way...

Yeah, that flavor is weirdly specific - like rubber and chemicals mixed together. I’ve used those temp kits too, and honestly, they work way better than just leaving the tooth exposed. I found if you dry the tooth off really well before putting the stuff on, it sticks a bit longer. Did you ever notice if hot drinks make it loosen up faster? I had one pop off after coffee and had to redo the whole thing...