If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tooth could be damaged further or become infected, possibly causing you to end up losing the tooth.

In the meantime, try the following self-care measures:

• If the tooth is painful, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Rinse your mouth with salt water.

• If the break has caused a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek.

• If you must eat, eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth.