Introduction:
In this blog, we talked about why teeth can break and how to tell if you have a cracked tooth. Things like accidents, chewing hard stuff, or tooth decay can cause cracks. If your tooth hurts when you eat or feels sensitive to hot or cold, it might be cracked. Sometimes, you can see the crack, but not always.
We also discussed some home remedies you can try, like rinsing with salt water or using ice packs. But if your tooth is hurting, you might need to see a dentist. They can fix it with things like dental crowns or root canals, depending on how bad it is. Slipacoff Dental in Sarnia can help with all your dental needs, making sure your cracked tooth gets better.
We’ll discuss these topics in this blog:
- What Causes Broken or Cracked Tooth
- How Can I Tell Whether My Tooth Is Cracked?
- How to Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally
- Dental Treatments Used For Cracked Tooth Repair
- Conclusion
- Faq’s
What Causes Broken or Cracked Tooth
Broken or cracked teeth can result from various factors, including:
- Trauma: Accidents, falls, or impacts to the face can fracture or break teeth. This could happen during sports, in car accidents, or due to other physical injuries.
- Biting down on hard objects: Sometimes, biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels can cause a tooth to crack or break.
- Tooth decay: Untreated tooth decay weakens the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to breaking or cracking. Decay can progress to the point where the tooth becomes brittle and breaks under normal chewing forces.
- Large fillings: Large dental fillings can weaken the remaining tooth structure, increasing the likelihood of fracture or breakage, especially if the filling is old or if the tooth undergoes repetitive stress from chewing.
- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching teeth, either during the day or at night (a condition known as bruxism), can gradually wear down teeth and make them more prone to cracks or fractures.
- Temperature changes: Sudden extreme temperature changes in the mouth, such as consuming hot food or beverages followed by cold ones, can cause teeth to expand and contract, leading to cracks over time.
- Age: As people age, their teeth may become more brittle and prone to cracks or fractures due to natural wear and tear over the years.
It’s essential to seek dental treatment if you suspect you have a cracked or broken tooth, as ignoring it can lead to further damage and potentially more severe dental issues.
How Can I Tell Whether My Tooth Is Cracked?
Detecting a cracked tooth can sometimes be challenging because the symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the crack. However, here are some common signs that may indicate you have a cracked tooth:
- Pain when chewing: You may experience sharp pain when biting down or chewing, especially if the crack exposes the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold: You might feel increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, particularly if the crack extends into the tooth’s nerve tissue.
- Intermittent pain: The pain associated with a cracked tooth may come and go, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of discomfort.
- Discomfort when releasing biting pressure: You may feel discomfort or pain when you release biting pressure after chewing on something.
- Visible crack or fracture: In some cases, you may be able to see a visible crack or fracture on the tooth surface. However, not all cracks are visible to the naked eye, especially if they are small or located below the gumline.
- Swollen gums: If the cracked tooth irritates the surrounding gum tissue, you may experience swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth.
- Changes in tooth color: A cracked tooth may appear darker or discolored compared to the surrounding teeth, especially if the crack extends into the tooth’s inner layers where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination, including dental X-rays if necessary, to diagnose the cracked tooth and recommend appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and preserve the tooth’s health.
How to Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally
01. Saltwater Rinse
Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water, swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat a few times a day.
02. Peppermint Tea Bags
Steep a tea bag in hot water for 3 minutes, let it cool a bit, then place it on the sore tooth for 15 minutes. Do this a few times daily.
03. Ginger Root
Chew on a small piece of ginger for 15 minutes, then spit it out. Repeat several times a day.
04. Garlic
Crush garlic and mix with a little water, then apply it to the sore tooth for 15 minutes. Repeat several times daily.
05. Clove Oil
Mix a few drops of clove oil with olive oil, apply it to a cotton swab, and place it on the sore tooth for 15 minutes. Rinse afterward. Repeat a few times a day.
06. Ice Pack
Wrap ice in a towel and apply it to the sore area for 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
07. Guava Leaves
Boil guava leaves in water for 15 minutes, let them cool, and then apply it to the sore tooth with a cotton ball. Repeat several times daily.
08. Over-the-counter medications
like Ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can help. Follow the instructions on the package.
Dental Treatments Used For Cracked Tooth Repair
When fixing a cracked or broken tooth, dentists consider:
- How big the crack is
- Where it is in your mouth
- How much it’s bothering you
- How far the crack goes
- After checking these things, your dentist might suggest:
- Using dental bonding
- Putting a crown on the tooth
- Doing a root canal
- Taking the tooth out
Conclusion
Are you dealing with a cracked tooth? Slipacoff Dental in Sarnia is here to help with professional treatment. While home remedies can give temporary relief, we offer a lasting dental solution to end your pain.
We’ll check how bad the crack is and suggest the best treatments. For moderate cracks, we might recommend dental crowns, custom-made to match your teeth. Cracked teeth can happen from grinding, accidents, or weak teeth. Whatever the cause, we’ll discuss how to fix it after checking it out.
Whether you need crowns, implants, veneers, or a bridge, our dentist can handle it all. You can count on us for all your dental needs
Faq’s
Q1. Can a cracked tooth heal naturally?
A1. Unfortunately, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Seeking professional care is necessary for treatment. Signs of a cracked tooth may include intermittent or sporadically occurring pain.
Q2. How can I temporarily fix a cracked tooth without going to the dentist?
A2. While waiting to see a dentist, temporary broken tooth repair kits are available in drugstores and online. These kits often contain dental wax to cover jagged edges or materials that can be molded to fill in gaps left by broken or missing teeth.
Q3. Is it possible for a cracked tooth to heal itself?
A3. No, a cracked tooth cannot heal without professional intervention. However, not every cracked tooth necessarily requires immediate treatment.
Q4. Is it safe to leave a cracked tooth untreated?
A4. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to tooth loss in the long term. When the root of the tooth weakens, the tooth may be lost, or it may become too damaged for repair, necessitating extraction and replacement.
Q5. Will cracked tooth pain eventually subside?
A5. Cracked teeth typically cause pain when biting down or chewing, especially upon release, and may also lead to sensitivity to heat or cold. While the pain may come and go, it’s essential to seek treatment to address the underlying issue.
Floss Your Way to Healthy Teeth: Learn more about dental hygiene through our blog’s resources
