A cracked tooth is painful, and very stressful, as that interferes with life; you have sensitivity with foods, either hot or cold, and it hurts to chew with. Other than the immediate effects of discomfort, if left unattended, cracks can result in serious consequences in the mouth like infection or even loss of teeth.
While professional dental care is the gold standard for treating cracked teeth, an exploration into natural remedies brings relief and supplements oral health until professional care can be sought.
Now, let us see how to fix a cracked tooth at home by suggesting some workable tips and precautionary care that can help in its healing process and guard your smile.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a tooth with a fracture in its structure, running from superficial craze lines to deep fissures right into the root. It is one of the dental conditions referred to as cracked tooth syndrome, normally associated with painful sensations and sensitivity upon chewing or exposing the tooth to temperature changes. [1]
These cracks can be because of:
- Chewing hard objects: Crunching hard candies or ice may result in the application of too much force to cause fractures.
- Trauma: this could be a crack due to an accident or a sudden jolt to the mouth.
- Teeth grinding: The constant clenching or grinding may have implications for worn-down teeth, as they are more likely to crack with time.
- Large fillings: When a large filling is used, the tooth tends to weaken and is prone to breaking.
What Does a Cracked Tooth Look Like?
A cracked tooth can run the range from a visible sign in the enamel, such as a fine line or a noticed split, to actually having parts of the tooth break off. [2] Not all cracks, however, show up on the naked eye. If you have pain while chewing, or sensitivity to hot and cold, that may indicate an unseen crack.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing, especially upon releasing the pressure. [3]
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Swelling and tenderness to the infected tooth. [4]
- A feeling of unevenness when masticating.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal Itself?
No, a cracked tooth cannot heal by itself. Unlike bones and skin, teeth do not possess any natural process for renewal or self-repair. [5] Enamel, dentin, and cementum are in-vital tissues and cannot grow or repair themselves naturally. Nevertheless, natural remedies and good oral care can discomfort relief and prevent further deterioration of the dental issue.
That is where advanced oral care solutions, like sonic toothbrushes, come in. Oclean sonic electric toothbrushes are designed for superior cleaning and gum care, reducing the strain on compromised teeth.
These even have customizable modes and long battery life, ideal for people with cracked tooth syndrome or other sensitive oral needs.
How to Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally: 9 Natural Solutions
Here are the nine natural solutions of how to fix a cracked tooth yourself naturally:
Salt Water Rinsing
The most simple yet efficient method of cleaning a cracked tooth involves the use of salt water. Salt is an antiseptic that reduces bacteria in the mouth, hence minimizing infection around the crack. This mixes a teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water, swashing around your mouth for a minute, paying great concentration to where the problem lays. This is repeated about 2-3 times a day.
Clove Oil
It is a nature-given painkiller famous for its pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties. [6] Clove oil in this regard includes eugenol, which acts as an anesthetic and antimicrobial agent, too. Soak a cotton swab in the diluted version of clove oil, then rub it soft over the cracked tooth. Try not to swallow any of the oil, and also, do not use it very often, or it may become irritating.
Ginger Root
The properties of being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial make it an ideal natural remedy for the discomfort related to cracked teeth. Cut off a small fresh piece of ginger, then slowly chew along near the afflicted tooth in order to allow its juices to gently soothe pain and decrease swelling. If the discomfort associated with chewing is too great, you could also try steeping the ginger in a tea to use in a mouthwash. This should be used 2-3 times a day for the most results.
Garlic
It is highly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Thus, it can protect against infection in a cracked tooth. Crush a clove of garlic into a paste with a little water and smoothen it onto the cracked area, gently. [7] Keep for at least 15 minutes and wash with warm water.
Cold Compress
Place immediately a cold compress near the cracked tooth on the cheek to lessen the swelling and numb the area. Take a few ice cubes, wrap them with a clean towel, or get a gel cold pack; press it against your cheek and keep it there for about 15-20 minutes. One might continue to do this if their pain continues every few hours as it may be required or according to the need. The cold will also help to constrict your blood vessels, reducing inflammation and any potential bleeding associated with deeper cracks.
Guava Leaves
These are rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, thus effective in soothing tooth pain. Boil a handful of guava leaves in water, let it cool, and use the liquid as a mouth rinse. You can also chew fresh guava leaves directly for similar benefits.
Peppermint Tea Bags
They can give temporary pain relief to aching teeth due to their soothing action. [8] Let the tea bag steep in boiling water, then cool down until it's warm but not hot. Place the warm tea bag on the affected tooth and leave it for 15 minutes. The tannins contained in peppermint tea reduce pain and swelling.
Soft Food Diet
Transitioning to soft foods decreases the workload of a cracked tooth, further minimizing damage or pain. Food substances can easily be managed, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and other smoothie-like meals that don't really require effort in eating; it would also be great to prevent nuts, chips, hard candies, among other things that have hard cores and would lead to discomfort at a time like this.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
The first rapid relief may be obtained from OTC medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which are also helpful in the treatment of pain and inflammation. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage found on the packaging and not go over the amount.
Tips for Preventing Further Damage
Preventing further damage to an already cracked tooth will spare you from further distress that may affect your oral health. The following are a few tips to protect your teeth:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Keep your oral cavity healthy by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Thus, for superior cleaning with gentle care of sensitive parts, one can opt for high-class toothbrushes like the Oclean X Lite.
Avoid Hard Foods
Avoid hard candies, ice cubes, nuts, and crunchy vegetables that may further irritate the crack. Continue with softer foods that impose less stress on the questionable tooth.
Gently Brush and Floss
Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with light strokes. When flossing or using any flossers, do not use hard strokes, let alone heavy, especially near the cracked area.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth, a customized-fitted night guard over your teeth can help prevent cracks from happening or getting worse.
Regularly Visit a Dentist
Regular check-ups can facilitate the early detection of cracks that start from subtle ones but may grow into serious problems.
Cost of Fixing the Cracked Tooth
The cost, of course, depends on the scale of the damage and accordingly, the treatment: from a light procedure like dental bonding with £100-£200 to crowns with £300 to £800 per tooth, while more extensive repairs can be done via root canal or implant work upwards of £1,000.
Spending money on a good toothbrush, like the Snoic electric toothbrush, is a small yet effective way of preventing future, costly dental treatments by ensuring good oral hygiene and preventing further damage.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Cracked Tooth
Watch for these signs and symptoms that suggest you and your child need to see an orthodontic professional:
- When pain is persistent or sharp while chewing, biting, or when taking in hot or cold food and drinks, that's when the problem is deeper.
- Swollen, red, or tender gums around the cracked tooth may also indicate infection or irritation.
- Difficulty using the tooth may indicate that a crack is progressing or the structure in and around it has become compromised.
- A darkened or discolored tooth, or one that feels rough or uneven, could indicate internal damage.
The Bottom Line
A tooth crack can be quite painful and worrisome; you could alleviate some discomfort and prevent further damage. Handy remedies include saltwater rinses to more practical tools using a quality sonic toothbrush to manage your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix a small cracked tooth naturally?
For minor cracks, natural remedies such as saltwater rinses and clove oil can reduce pain and inflammation. A soft food diet and gentle oral hygiene practices also help protect the tooth until a dentist can assess it.
Does a cracked tooth need to be pulled?
Not all cracked teeth need extraction. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the crack. Tiny cracks may be treated by bonding or a crown, while serious damage to the root calls for removal.
What does a cracked tooth feel like?
A fractured tooth gives sharp pain in the form of aches while chewing or even biting. The sensitivity towards hot, cold, or sweet foods is common, with a rough feeling when running your tongue across the tooth.
How to heal a broken tooth naturally?
While natural remedies cannot permanently help a broken tooth, some can alleviate discomfort. Use a cold compress for swelling, practice gentle brushing, and avoid hard food to prevent further damage.
Sources:
- Li, Fei, et al. “Review of Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Etiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention.” Pain Research and Management, vol. 2021, 15 Dec. 2021, pp. 1–12, https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/3788660.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Fractured Tooth (Cracked Tooth): What It Is, Symptoms & Repair.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth.
- Christiano, Donna. “Cracked Tooth: Symptoms, Treatments, and Recovery.” Healthline, 16 Oct. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/cracked-tooth.
- Cadman, Bethany . “Cracked Tooth: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 2 June 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322015.
- American Association of Endodontists. “Cracked Teeth | American Association of Endodontists.” American Association of Endodontists, 2017, www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/.
- Barrell , Amanda . “Clove Oil for Toothache: Use and Side Effects.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 19 Mar. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321256.
- Gokhman, Roman. “Can Garlic Treat the Pain from Toothaches?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 27 Feb. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/garlic-for-toothache.
- Cronkleton, Emily . “10 Home Remedies for Toothache.” Healthline, 18 May 2017, www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache.