Discovering a cracked tooth is alarming, and your first instinct is likely to search for how to fix a cracked tooth naturally. While a permanent repair always requires a professional dentist, you’ve come to the right place for immediate, at-home care. This guide will show you safe, effective natural steps to manage pain, prevent infection, and protect your tooth until you can get to a dental office. After reading, you’ll know exactly how to get temporary relief and support your oral health.
A Crucial Disclaimer: Natural Care vs. Professional Repair
Before we begin, it’s vital to understand one thing: natural remedies cannot physically “fix” or heal the structural crack in a tooth’s enamel. Think of these methods as first aid. They are for managing symptoms and preventing the problem from getting worse. A cracked tooth can lead to serious infections or even tooth loss if not treated properly.
Always consult a dentist as soon as possible for a cracked tooth. This guide is meant to help you in the time leading up to your appointment.
What You’ll Need: Tools & Materials
These simple items can help you manage your cracked tooth safely at home.
- Warm water
- Sea salt or table salt
- Clove essential oil
- Cotton balls or cotton swabs
- Over-the-counter dental wax
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
How to Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally: A Step-by-Step Guide for Temporary Relief
Step 1: Immediately Rinse Your Mouth
The first step is to clean the area gently. This helps remove any food particles or bacteria that could irritate the cracked tooth or lead to infection.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water.
- Swish the saltwater solution in your mouth for 30-60 seconds.
- Be gentle! Don’t swish aggressively.
- Spit out the water. Repeat this 2-3 times a day, especially after meals.
Step 2: Reduce Pain and Inflammation with Clove Oil
Clove oil is a traditional remedy that contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. It’s fantastic for temporarily numbing tooth pain.
- Put 2-3 drops of clove oil onto a clean cotton ball or swab.
- Gently dab the oil-soaked cotton directly onto the cracked tooth and the surrounding gum area.
- You can also mix the clove oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil if the pure oil is too strong for you.
- Avoid swallowing the oil.
Step 3: Protect the Tooth from Irritation
A cracked tooth often has sharp edges that can cut your tongue or cheek. It’s also sensitive to air and temperature. You can cover it with dental wax for temporary protection.
- Take a small piece of dental wax and warm it between your fingers to soften it.
- Gently press the softened wax over the cracked tooth, molding it to cover the entire damaged area.
- This creates a smooth, temporary shield.
Step 4: Adjust Your Diet and Chewing Habits
What you eat can make a huge difference. You need to avoid putting any pressure on the damaged tooth to prevent the crack from worsening.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth, away from the cracked tooth.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (like nuts, hard candy, and caramel).
- Stay away from very hot or very cold drinks and foods, as they can cause sharp pain.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Use DIY Fillings: Never try to seal the crack with super glue or other household adhesives. These materials are toxic and can cause severe damage to your tooth and gums.
- Keep Up with Gentle Hygiene: Don’t stop brushing and flossing, but be extremely gentle around the cracked tooth. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid snapping floss down hard on the area.
- Elevate Your Head: When sleeping, try propping your head up with an extra pillow. This can help reduce blood pressure in your head and may lessen throbbing pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
Unfortunately, no. Unlike a broken bone, the hard enamel of a tooth cannot regenerate or heal itself once it has a structural crack. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), prompt treatment from a dentist is crucial to prevent the crack from spreading, which can save the tooth from infection and extraction.
What happens if I don’t get a cracked tooth fixed by a dentist?
Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to serious problems. The crack can get larger, bacteria can enter the inner pulp of the tooth causing a painful infection or abscess, and ultimately, you could lose the tooth entirely.
How can I stop a cracked tooth from hurting at night?
To manage pain at night, rinse with warm salt water before bed, apply a small amount of clove oil, and sleep with your head elevated on pillows. Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes before lying down.
Conclusion
In summary, learning how to fix a cracked tooth naturally is about expertly managing the symptoms with careful first aid until you can see a professional. By cleaning the area, reducing pain, and protecting the tooth from further harm, you can find significant temporary relief. However, remember that these are temporary solutions, and the most crucial step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a permanent repair.
For more helpful guides and solutions, visit howtoresults.com to explore our wide range of how-to articles.