A sharp pain when you bite down. A sudden sensitivity to hot or cold. These could be signs of a cracked tooth, and you’re probably wondering how to fix a cracked tooth naturally before heading to the dentist. While natural remedies can’t repair the structural damage of a cracked tooth, they can provide temporary relief and support your oral health while you arrange professional care.
Cracked teeth are more common than you might think. They can happen from biting down on something hard, grinding your teeth at night, or even from sudden temperature changes in your mouth. The good news is that there are several natural approaches to manage discomfort and protect your tooth until you can see a dental professional.
This guide will walk you through understanding what’s happening with your tooth, natural pain relief methods, dietary changes that can help, and preventive measures to avoid future cracks. Let’s explore how you can take care of your cracked tooth naturally while maintaining your overall dental health.
Understanding Cracked Teeth
Common Causes of Cracked Teeth
Teeth can crack for various reasons. Biting down on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy is a frequent culprit. Sports injuries, falls, or other facial trauma can also cause cracks. Teeth grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep, puts constant pressure on teeth and can lead to cracks over time.
Age plays a role too. As we get older, our teeth naturally become more brittle and susceptible to cracking. Large fillings can weaken tooth structure, making cracks more likely. Even extreme temperature changes—like drinking hot coffee followed immediately by ice water—can cause tiny cracks to form.
Types of Tooth Cracks
Not all cracks are the same. Craze lines are tiny, superficial cracks in the enamel that don’t usually cause pain or require treatment. They’re common in adult teeth and mainly a cosmetic concern.
A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling. These typically don’t affect the pulp and cause minimal pain.
Cracks that extend into the gum line are more serious. If the crack hasn’t reached below the gum line, the tooth might be saved. Once it extends below, extraction is often necessary.
A split tooth is what happens when a cracked tooth isn’t treated. The tooth actually splits into distinct segments. A vertical root fracture starts below the gum line and travels upward, often showing minimal symptoms until the surrounding bone and gum become infected.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Pain when chewing or biting is the most common symptom, though it may come and go. You might notice sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Some people experience pain that seems to move around, making it hard to pinpoint which tooth is affected.
Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth can occur, especially if bacteria have entered the crack. You may not see the crack with the naked eye, which is why professional diagnosis is essential.
Natural Remedies for Pain Relief
Over-the-Counter Options
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the package, and don’t exceed recommended amounts. These provide temporary relief but don’t address the underlying problem.
Home Remedies That Work
Warm salt water rinses are remarkably effective. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do this several times a day to reduce inflammation and keep the area clean.
A cold compress applied to the outside of your cheek can numb the area and reduce swelling. Use it for 15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
Clove oil has natural analgesic and antibacterial properties. Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it gently to the affected area. Don’t use too much, as it can be irritating.
Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial properties. Crush a garlic clove to make a paste, apply it to the tooth, and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing. Some people find this reduces pain, though the taste isn’t pleasant.
Important Disclaimers
These natural remedies provide temporary relief only. They cannot heal a cracked tooth or prevent the crack from worsening. If you experience severe pain, fever, or swelling, seek professional dental care immediately, as these could indicate an infection.
Dietary Adjustments for a Cracked Tooth
Foods to Avoid
Hard foods like nuts, hard candy, and raw vegetables can worsen the crack or cause additional damage. Chewy foods such as caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can pull on the cracked tooth. Sticky foods like peanut butter might get lodged in the crack and cause discomfort.
Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages can trigger sharp pain. Try to consume foods and drinks at moderate temperatures.
Better Food Choices
Soft foods are your best friends while managing a cracked tooth. Scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies provide nutrition without putting stress on the damaged tooth. Mashed potatoes, soup, soft pasta, and steamed vegetables are excellent options.
Protein shakes and soft fruits like bananas and avocados can help you maintain a balanced diet. Cut foods into smaller pieces and chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible.
Preventive Measures for Healthy Teeth
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around the cracked tooth to avoid irritation. Floss daily, but carefully around the affected area. An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and prevent infection.
Protect Your Teeth at Night
If you grind your teeth while sleeping, a custom nightguard from your dentist can protect your teeth from further damage. Over-the-counter options are available too, though they may not fit as well. Addressing teeth grinding is crucial for preventing additional cracks.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups
Professional cleanings and examinations every six months allow your dentist to catch problems early. They can spot small cracks before they become serious issues and provide preventive treatments to strengthen your teeth.
Dental X-rays can reveal cracks that aren’t visible during a visual exam. Don’t skip these appointments, even if you’re not experiencing pain.
When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
Signs You Need Professional Care
If pain persists for more than a day or two despite home remedies, it’s time to see a dentist. Increasing pain, swelling that doesn’t improve, or sensitivity that gets worse are all red flags.
Fever, difficulty swallowing, or a bad taste in your mouth could indicate an infection that requires immediate attention. If you can see the crack or notice a piece of tooth has broken off, schedule an appointment right away.
Professional Treatment Options
Dentists have several ways to repair cracked teeth. Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to fill in small cracks. Crowns cover the entire tooth and provide strength and protection. Root canal therapy may be necessary if the crack has reached the pulp.
In severe cases where the crack extends below the gum line, extraction might be the only option. Your dentist will discuss the best treatment based on the type and severity of your crack.
Taking Care of Your Smile
Natural remedies can provide valuable temporary relief for a cracked tooth, but they’re not a substitute for professional dental care. Use these methods to manage discomfort while you arrange to see your dentist. The sooner you address a cracked tooth, the better your chances of saving it.
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Protect your teeth by avoiding hard foods, wearing a mouthguard during sports, addressing teeth grinding, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime with proper care.
If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, don’t wait. Contact your dentist to schedule an evaluation. Early intervention can save your tooth and prevent more serious complications down the road.
