A cracked tooth can be a jarring and painful experience. Knowing how to fix a cracked tooth naturally might be your first thought, especially if you’re looking for immediate relief before seeing a professional. A cracked tooth occurs when a fracture appears in your tooth, ranging from a minor craze line on the surface to a split that extends below the gum line. Addressing it quickly is crucial not just for pain relief, but also to prevent further damage and potential infection.
While natural remedies can provide temporary comfort and support healing, it’s important to understand their role. They are best used as a first line of defense to manage symptoms and support your oral health while you arrange for professional dental care. This guide will walk you through immediate steps, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes to manage a cracked tooth and protect your dental health for the long run.
What to Do Immediately After Cracking a Tooth
If you suspect you’ve cracked a tooth, taking quick action can prevent more serious problems. Here are the first steps you should take:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. A saltwater rinse is a natural disinfectant that can help clean the area and reduce the risk of infection. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce swelling and numb the pain, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek, near the affected area. Hold it there for 15-20 minute intervals.
- Use Dental Wax: If the cracked tooth has a sharp edge that is irritating your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or over-the-counter dental wax as a temporary measure.
- Avoid Chewing on That Side: Put as little pressure as possible on the cracked tooth. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until you can see a dentist.
Natural Remedies for Pain and Discomfort
While awaiting professional treatment, several natural remedies can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with a cracked tooth.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a well-known traditional remedy for toothaches, and for good reason. It contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic.
- How to use it: You can apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected tooth using a cotton swab. Be careful to apply it only to the tooth and avoid getting too much on your gums or tongue, as it can cause irritation.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint has mild numbing properties and can help soothe pain.
- How to use it: After steeping a peppermint tea bag, let it cool down slightly. While it’s still warm, apply the tea bag directly to the painful area for about 20 minutes. You can also place the used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes for a cooling effect.
Garlic
Garlic is another powerful natural remedy with antibiotic properties. Allicin, a compound in garlic, can help kill bacteria that may cause infection and pain.
- How to use it: Crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply it to the affected tooth. You might experience a slight burning sensation initially. Alternatively, you can slowly chew on a fresh clove of garlic with the affected tooth if the pain allows.
How Your Diet Can Help
What you eat and drink can significantly impact a cracked tooth. Making some temporary dietary adjustments can help manage symptoms and prevent the crack from worsening.
- Stick to Soft Foods: To avoid putting pressure on the cracked tooth, eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup, and scrambled eggs.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Stay away from hard candies, nuts, ice, and sticky foods like caramel or taffy. These can put stress on the crack and potentially cause it to break further.
- Limit Sugary and Acidic Items: Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of decay in the exposed inner layers of the tooth. Try to limit soda, fruit juices, and sweets until your tooth is treated.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Further Damage
Beyond diet, certain habits can help protect your cracked tooth and your overall oral health.
- Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss, but be extra gentle around the cracked tooth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is your best friend here. Avoid aggressive brushing that could irritate the area.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: A cracked tooth can be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Try to consume food and drinks that are lukewarm to avoid triggering sharp pain.
- Consider a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night (a condition called bruxism), this can put immense pressure on your teeth and worsen a crack. Talk to your dentist about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard to wear while you sleep.
The Importance of Professional Dental Care
While natural remedies offer temporary relief, they are not a permanent solution. It is essential to understand that a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Only a dental professional can properly diagnose the extent of the crack and provide the appropriate treatment to permanently fix it.
Ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to serious complications, including:
- Infection: Bacteria can enter the crack and infect the pulp of the tooth, leading to a painful abscess.
- Further Damage: The crack can grow larger, potentially leading to the loss of the tooth.
- Increased Pain: The pain will likely worsen over time as the nerve becomes more exposed and irritated.
Your dentist will determine the best course of action based on the type and severity of the crack. Treatment options may include bonding, a crown, a root canal, or in severe cases, extraction.
Looking Ahead: Prevention is Key
Once your tooth is treated, focus on preventing future dental issues.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play contact sports or grind your teeth, a mouthguard is essential protection.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels, pens, or other hard objects that can stress your teeth.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams can help catch problems early before they become more serious.
By combining immediate care, natural remedies, and prompt professional treatment, you can effectively manage a cracked tooth and safeguard your smile for the future.
