Dear Reader,

To help you bear any pain you're experiencing, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Products with ibuprofen should be effective at reducing pain, as well as swelling, and tend to be a bit stronger than acetaminophen. Dentists also recommend a combination pain reliever that serves up a mix of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.

Many pharmacies also sell "make-it-yourself" temporary filling kits. They include a single putty or two soft putties that get mixed together. If you can put the mixture into your broken tooth without discomfort, you should be fine until your dental appointment. To reduce possible pain while eating, you may want to stick with soft foods and liquids, avoiding anything too hot or cold. You could also try chewing solely on the intact side of your mouth. If you find it impossible to eat, or are generally extremely uncomfortable, your dentist may suggest you squeeze yourself in for an emergency appointment. Or, s/he might recommend a colleague with time available to see you.

Normally, chewing gum does not cause teeth to break. Some gums do tend to stick to artificial dental work, such as dentures or a bridge. If this is an issue, try a gum especially designed not to stick.

Keep in mind that teeth usually break for a reason. You might have some decay under a filling or around the broken tooth. Sometimes, if a tooth is severely damaged, and has a large filling, the tooth will fracture because so little of the tooth is actually left. Regular dental check-ups (at least once a year), partnered with thorough tooth brushing and flossing, can help to prevent this kind of problem. Alice is happy to provide you with this information. Five out of five dental offices should also be willing and able to do the same, while you're waiting for appointment day.

Alice

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