You can try to fix a cracked tooth using natural remedies like saltwater rinse, clove oil, ginger, and other home remedies. Or at least try.
Making dietary changes can also help support tooth repair.
While natural remedies can offer temporary relief, you must see a dentist for a permanent dental solution.
We discussed more about the remedies below.
But first, what causes a cracked tooth? And what are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
Some of the common causes of cracked teeth are:
- Bruxism.
- Smoking.
- Biting hard foods.
- Sport-related injuries.
- Poor dental hygiene.
- Cavities and tooth decay.
- Bruised teeth and jaw injury.
- Aging and wear and tear.
That said, how do you know that you have a fractured tooth?
Signs and Symptoms to look out for
A cracked tooth doesn’t always have symptoms.
You might have a cracked tooth without even realizing it. However, when the crack becomes extensive, you may notice the following signs:
- Sensitivity to sweetness.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food.
- Pain when biting down on a tooth.
- Swelling around the cracked tooth.
- Toothache when biting or chewing.
Visit your dentist if you notice the above signs, as they indicate a severe crack.
Natural Remedies for Soothing a Cracked Tooth
Using clove oil for pain relief
Clove oil, another easy and effective treatment for tooth pain, has antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective in soothing the pain and inflammation associated with a cracked tooth.
Add 2-3 drops of clove oil on a cotton swab. Then, gently apply it to the affected area using your finger. Rub the area until the pain disappears. Make sure to dilute clove oil with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.
Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling
A cold compress is one of the best home remedies for broken tooth pain relief. To apply, place the cold compress on the outside of your cheek, close to the affected area.
Do this for 10-15 minutes.
This helps reduce the swelling and numb the area, thus soothing the pain. You can apply the cold compress several times a day.
Rinsing with salt water for disinfection
Salt has antibacterial properties, making it perfect for disinfecting the area around the chipped tooth.
To use salt water, mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Then, swish the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds. For optimal results, repeat this several times a day.
Methods for Fixing a Cracked Tooth Naturally
Oil pulling for oral health.
Oil pulling is an ancient practice for improving dental health. It is also a remedy for fixing a cracked tooth naturally at home.
Oil pulling involves swishing your mouth with oil, similar to using a mouthwash. We recommend using coconut oil for this purpose. It’s absorbable and has antimicrobial properties, making it effective in reducing inflammation and fighting germs in your mouth.
To use, swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, spit it out and rinse your mouth with water.
Herbal remedies for strengthening teeth
Herbal remedies can also help strengthen your teeth and improve overall dental health.
Garlic is an example.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help boost your immune system and prevent gums swelling. Additionally, when chopped, garlic releases a substance called allicin. Allicin helps eliminate bacteria from the mouth, preventing mouth infections.
Cardamom is another herbal remedy to use.
Like garlic, it has an antibacterial function and a pleasant taste that helps activate salivary flows. The saliva keeps your mouth damp, protecting you against cavities.
Dietary changes to support tooth repair
Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, or yogurt can help strengthen your teeth, making them less prone to fracture. There is also magnesium, which helps with teeth repair.
Avoid consuming hard or crunchy foods, as they can aggravate cracked teeth. Finally, incorporate antioxidant foods in your diet to protect your gums from inflammation and bacterial infection.
Considerations for Addressing a Cracked Tooth Naturally
When to seek professional dental care
Natural remedies can provide temporary relief for your cracked tooth. Regardless, you must seek professional dental care.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience symptoms like:
- Changes in how you bite
- Pains that won’t go away
- Sensitivity to sugary foods
- Cracks and swelling of the area
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Changes in the color of the cracked tooth
- Severe and persistent pain when biting on the impacted tooth.
Visiting a dentist can help treat a cracked tooth effectively while preventing further damage and infections. A dentist can recommend the appropriate treatment plan depending on the severity of the crack.
Dental bonding, dental crown placement, and root canal therapy are some treatment options that may be discussed.
Potential risks and limitations of natural remedies
While natural remedies may be an affordable, convenient, and accessible option for soothing your tooth crack, they come with some risks and limitations.
For example, natural remedies only address the symptoms of cracked teeth. They cannot repair the damage done to the affected tooth.
Additionally, natural solutions provide temporary relief to the pain associated with a cracked tooth. For permanent relief, you’ll need to see a dentist.
Creating a holistic approach to dental health
Adopting a holistic approach is crucial to managing cracked teeth and improving dental health. Start by consuming foods high in vitamins, minerals, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They support healthy teeth and gums.
You should also brush twice a day and floss gently using a mouthwash. This helps prevent plaque buildup, reducing the risk of other dental issues.
Additionally, incorporate natural remedies like clove oil, turmeric, and peppermint into your routine to address symptoms and manage your dental health.
Preventing Future Cracks and Maintaining Oral Health
After repairing your cracked tooth, you must take the necessary steps to prevent a reoccurrence. Avoid chewing or biting hard foods like ice, nuts, seeds, hardtacks, etc.
You should also take your oral hygiene seriously.
Brush and floss twice daily and schedule dental checkups twice a year to protect your teeth from bacteria and infections. Finally, make sure you incorporate natural dental products into your oral care routine to promote dental health and overall well-being.
FAQs
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
No, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. You’ll need dental treatment for that. Dental treatments like bonding, crowns, and root canal therapy help relieve pain and heal the crack.
Can You Seal a Cracked Tooth at Home?
Yes, you can seal a broken tooth at home using a dental wax. Place the dental wax on any sharp edges that could hurt the tongue or cheeks. For the inflammation, use medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and ensure you don’t take more than the recommended usage.
Are Natural Remedies Effective for Fixing a Cracked Tooth?
No, they aren’t. While natural remedies can provide temporary relief, they cannot fully fix the crack in your tooth. If you are experiencing a cracked tooth, ensure you visit a dentist as soon as possible to explore effective cracked tooth repair options.
