Finding a crack in your tooth can be alarming. If you’re wondering how to fix a cracked tooth naturally, you’re not alone. Many people seek immediate relief and ways to support their oral health using at-home methods. While natural remedies can offer temporary relief and aid in preventing further damage, it’s crucial to understand their role and limitations. This guide explores immediate steps, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments you can make, while also emphasizing why professional dental care is irreplaceable for a cracked tooth.
Cracked teeth are a common dental issue, affecting people of all ages. They can range from minor craze lines (superficial cracks in the enamel) to severe fractures that extend below the gum line. These cracks can be caused by chewing on hard foods, grinding your teeth (bruxism), a sudden impact or injury, or even large fillings that weaken the tooth’s structure. Understanding what to do right after you discover a crack is the first step toward managing the situation effectively.
First Steps After Discovering a Cracked Tooth
The moment you realize your tooth is cracked, your priority should be to prevent further damage and manage any pain. Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. A saltwater rinse (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) helps to clean the area, remove food debris, and can reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a Cold Compress: If you experience swelling or pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Apply it for 15-minute intervals.
- Use Dental Wax: If the cracked tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or an over-the-counter dental wax. This will protect your tongue and cheek from getting cut.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Steer clear of hard, sticky, or very hot or cold foods. Chewing on the affected side of your mouth can worsen the crack or cause more pain.
- Call Your Dentist: This is the most critical step. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Even a minor crack needs a professional evaluation to determine its severity and the appropriate treatment.
Natural Remedies for Temporary Pain Relief
While you wait for your dental appointment, several natural remedies can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with a cracked tooth. These methods do not fix the crack but can make you more comfortable.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a well-known natural anesthetic and antiseptic. It contains eugenol, a compound that has been used in dentistry for years.
- How to use: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and gently dab it on the affected tooth and surrounding gum area. Be careful not to swallow it.
Salt Water Rinse
As mentioned, a salt water rinse is excellent for cleaning the mouth and has mild antibacterial properties.
- How to use: Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat several times a day.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a compound with natural antibiotic properties that can help fight bacteria and relieve pain.
- How to use: You can crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply it to the cracked tooth. Alternatively, you can slowly chew on a clove of garlic on the affected side if the pain allows.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments for Healing
Your diet and daily habits play a significant role in your oral health, especially when dealing with a compromised tooth. Making some adjustments can support the healing process and prevent the crack from worsening.
- Eat Soft Foods: Stick to a diet of soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the cracked tooth. Think soups, smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Very hot or cold foods and drinks can trigger sharp pain in a cracked tooth due to the exposure of the inner dentin layer.
- Increase Calcium and Vitamin D Intake: Calcium is essential for strong teeth. Ensure your diet is rich in calcium from sources like milk, cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, so get some sunlight or eat foods like fatty fish and fortified cereals.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps produce saliva, which is your mouth’s natural defense mechanism. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes acids that can harm your teeth.
Why Professional Dental Care is Essential
It’s vital to understand that while natural remedies can manage symptoms, they cannot fix a cracked tooth. The structure of a tooth cannot heal or regenerate on its own like a broken bone. A crack can worsen over time, potentially leading to infection, tooth loss, or the need for more complex procedures like a root canal or extraction.
Only a dentist can properly diagnose the extent and type of crack. Treatment options will vary based on the severity:
- Dental Bonding: For minor cracks, a dentist can use composite resin to fill the crack.
- Crown: For more significant cracks, a crown (a cap placed over the tooth) is often needed to protect it from further damage.
- Root Canal: If the crack has reached the pulp (the inner soft tissue of the tooth), a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged pulp and save the tooth.
- Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted.
Delaying professional treatment in hopes that a natural remedy will “fix” the problem can have serious consequences for your oral health.
Long-Term Care and Prevention
Once your cracked tooth has been treated by a dentist, maintaining good oral hygiene and taking preventive measures is key to avoiding future problems.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), ask your dentist about a custom-fitted nightguard. If you play contact sports, always wear a sports mouthguard.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Be mindful of chewing on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or using your teeth to open packages.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This allows them to catch potential issues early before they become major problems.
Your Next Steps for a Healthy Smile
While the idea of using natural methods to fix a cracked tooth is appealing, the reality is that home remedies can only provide temporary relief and support. They are a bridge to professional care, not a replacement for it. The most important step you can take is to contact your dentist immediately for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. By combining immediate self-care with professional dental intervention, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your tooth and overall oral health.
