A cracked tooth can be frustrating and painful, possibly from eating something hard, a fall, or teeth grinding. The good news? You can do some simple things to eliminate the pain of a cracked tooth and protect it until you reach a dental professional.
This guide will help you know what to do immediately, how to protect the cracked tooth until you find a dentist, and when to seek emergency help.
What are the Steps to Heal Cracked Teeth?
Step 1: What to do Immediately
If you crack your tooth, you should:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Check your mouth for small broken pieces of the tooth.
- Do not chew on the cracked side.
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve pain.
Call an emergency dentist near you immediately if you are feeling severe pain, bleeding, or swelling. Time is of the essence if we want to do everything we can to save your tooth.
Step 2: Pain Management
While you are making your way to a dental professional, there are things you can do to relieve pain while being gentle on your mouth. These include:
- Apply a hot or cold compress to help reduce any pain for 15 minutes.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Rinsing with warm salt water to clean the tooth and the surrounding area.
- Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods.
A dentist in Crescent Heights will check the tooth and likely recommend one of the following treatment options: filling, crown, or root canal.
Step 3: Natural Relief (Temporary Only)
There are a few home remedies that might offer temporary relief. Although these are not long-term solutions, they could help reduce pain while you wait for the dentist:
- Clove oil: It numbs the area.
- Salt water rinse: It decreases swelling.
- Garlic paste: Could kill germs.
- Turmeric paste: Could help decrease inflammation.
None of the remedies above will repair a crack in a tooth. Always see a dentist to repair your tooth.
People often search for ways to fix a cracked tooth naturally. Unfortunately, the only way to fix a cracked tooth is to go to the dentist.
Step 4: Protect Your Tooth Until You See the Dentist
As a way to keep the crack from worsening, you can protect it:
- Put sugar-free gum or dental wax over sharp edges.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, eggs, or soup.
- Do not bite down on the broken side.
- Avoid soda, chips, and hard candy.
- Brush gently and rinse once you are done eating.
If you are searching about how to fix a cracked tooth naturally, here are tips to keep the tooth safe until you can find a dentist.
What Will the Dentist Do?
Treatment depends on how badly the tooth is cracked:
| Type of Crack | Possible Treatment |
| Small surface crack | Polishing or bonding |
| Deeper crack | Filling or dental crown |
| Crack reaching the root | Root canal or extraction |
Seeing a dentist quickly gives you the best chance to save your tooth.
Wrapping Up!
Cracked teeth don’t heal on their own. Even if the pain goes away, the damage can get worse. Use safe at-home care only as a temporary step. Always follow up with a dentist.
At Crescent Heights Dental Clinic, we’re ready to help you in a dental emergency. Whether you have cracked a tooth or have sudden pain, our friendly team will take care of you.
Book your visit today to access expert care.
FAQs About Cracked Teeth
Will a cracked tooth heal by itself?
No. Cracked teeth do not heal on their own. Only a dentist can fix it.
How long can I wait before seeing a dentist?
You should see a dentist as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it could damage or infect it.
How do I know if the crack is serious?
If you experience serious pain, swelling, or temperature sensitivity, the crack is likely deep, and a dentist may be able to take some X-rays and confirm your diagnosis.