If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see one of our dentists 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 acetaminophen or another 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 sugarl