Find a dentist that is close enough for you to reach conveniently. If you work somewhere with dental benefits, check with your employer to see what dentists are covered by your insurance. If you need help affording dental care, try calling your state’s dental association and see what resources are available. You can set up a free consultation at most dentists if you need help deciding.

If the appointment is far in the future and you are experiencing pain, consider using orthodontic wax on the tooth or pain medication to relieve your pain in the meantime.

Your dentist may recommend dental burring, bonding, crowns, or dental implants. With a burr, your dentist will polish the sharp areas down with a very fine diamond so the surface feels smooth. [5] X Expert Source Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFELicensed Dentist Expert Interview. 11 May 2021. Make an informed decision with your dentist based on how serious the problem is and how much the procedures will likely cost.

A regular nail file is cheaper and can get the job done, but a diamond encrusted nail file will be sharper and make the filing easier. [6] X Research source

To get a good view of what you’re doing, stand in front of a mirror while positioning the file. Check the position of the file on the tooth and be sure that you are not likely to file other teeth down in the process.

Go slowly and don’t overdo it. You want to be careful not to damage the enamel by filing the tooth down too much.

Damaged enamel can lead to many future problems, including tooth sensitivity, cavities, fracturing, and increased decay, so it is a good idea to see a dentist for treatment.

Some dentists do not recommend emery boards, because enamel is hard and may need something sharper, but it may be an OK option if only a small amount of filing is needed.

If you are experiencing pain in the tooth, it is not a good idea to continue with filing. [13] X Research source

Be conservative with your filing, as you do not want to damage the enamel.

Be careful not to assume that the problem is gone just because the pain is. Pain medication is not a long term solution, and you should try to see a dentist if pain persists. In some cases, waiting long periods before treatment can worsen the damage.

Foods and drinks to avoid: sour candies, bread, alcohol, soda, ice, citrus, potato chips and dried fruits. Many of these are high in sugar and acid, which attacks enamel and leads to breakdown. [19] X Research source Non-irritating soft foods: Applesauce, soft cheeses, soups, oatmeal, eggs, mashed potatoes, watermelon, yogurt, cottage cheese, noodles, rice. [20] X Research source