Is your tooth cracked?
Cracked teeth sometimes don’t cause any problems. However, they can infect your overall mouth’s health and get worse. They can herald bigger dental issues.
They also become more prone to decay, infection, and further cracking. A cracked tooth may even impact your bite.
If you’re wondering what to do about a cracked tooth, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to care for a cracked tooth.
Rinse Your Mouth
If you suffer from a cracked tooth, it’s important to take precautions to ensure that your dental health remains in top condition. One way to do this is to rinse your mouth with a mild mouthwash or salt water solution.
This will help to reduce inflammation and will also prevent any further damage to the tooth. Brush your teeth gently twice a day and floss at least once a day. Use a soft brush to help protect the tooth and to avoid further damage.
Apply a Cold Compress
The best course of action for a person having this issue is to apply a cold compress. This can help to reduce the amount of swelling that can occur from the crack, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from the pain. Ice, or a cold pack, can help to reduce inflammation and help keep the jaw from locking up.
Additionally, a cold compress can help to numb the tooth and jaw, making it easier to chew without causing further harm. A dentist can provide the best advice and services for a broken tooth. However, in the meantime, a cold compress can help to alleviate the pain and reduce swelling before seeing a professional.
Take Pain Relievers if It Hurts
Taking pain relievers for a cracked tooth can be effective in managing painful symptoms. If a patient experiences discomfort due to a cracked tooth, it would be wise to use one of the available over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can be taken in the form of tablets and can provide relief from the pain while the patient waits to see a dentist and receive an official diagnosis and treatment plan.
Taking pain relievers for a cracked tooth is a very important step for dental health, as it can help to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms and make it easier for the patient to go about their daily activities without being in too much physical pain. The proper use of painkillers in combination with a proper diagnosis and dental health treatment plan can be an effective step in managing a cracked tooth.
Cover Sharp Edges
One way to cover the sharp edges of a cracked tooth is with a cosmetic dental procedure known as bonding. This is when a tooth-colored composite material is applied to the cracked tooth to fill the fissure and make it look more natural. Bonding helps minimize the risk of further damage to the cracked tooth, as well as providing a smooth surface for chewing.
Once you reach this point, make sure you know which way to take, veneers vs crowns. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers the cracked tooth and protects it from further damage. If a cracked tooth is too severe to be treated with bonding or a dental crown, it might need to be extracted.
Avoid Chewing on the Affected Tooth
It is important to avoid chewing on the cracked tooth as much as possible to reduce the risk of further damage. In addition, foods with hard textures, such as nuts and ice, should be kept away from the affected tooth.
Soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce should be eaten instead to ensure that the crack does not worsen. The best way to avoid cracked teeth is to always use caution when eating hard food. Try to stick to softer things and avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth when chewing.
See a Dentist for More Treatment Options
If you have a cracked tooth, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. When left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen and lead to more serious dental problems such as:
- infection
- abscess
- tooth loss
Prompt treatment can prevent far more severe consequences than just mild discomfort. Your dentist can diagnose the type and severity of your cracked tooth and will recommend treatment options depending on the level of damage. Treatments may include:
- tooth-colored fillings
- bonding
- root canals
In some cases, the cracked tooth may need to be surgically extracted. Therefore, if you have a cracked tooth, don’t delay and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, and you don’t want to jeopardize your dental health. Your dentist will provide you with satisfactory solutions, and soon enough, you will be able to enjoy your smile again.
Provide Your Dentist With Details
If you have a cracked tooth, the best thing to do is discuss it with your dentist right away. You should provide your dentist with details such as when the cracked tooth occurred, how it occurred if you are in any kind of pain, and what you were doing when it happened.
It is also helpful to your dentist to know if you recently had a dental procedure or restoration. Your dentist may ask to take an x-ray of the cracked tooth to assess the level of damage and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
It is important to follow your dentist’s directions for healing and avoiding additional cracked teeth. Make sure to schedule regular dental visits for a professional check-up so that your dentist can keep an eye on any changes and help keep your smile healthy.
If you fail to heed your dentist’s instructions regarding a cracked tooth, you can suffer from a plethora of dental health issues. Severe pain may arise, as well as inflammation in the gums and mouth. Professional dental care is critical in repairing the cracks in the teeth, providing relief, and preventing more damage.
Learn What to Do About a Cracked Tooth
To prevent damaged teeth in the future, maintain regular visits to your dentist and ensure that your mouth is healthy and clean. Taking care of your teeth now will avoid the possibility of a cracked tooth, so be sure to brush and floss daily. If you think that you may have a cracked tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible for the best treatment options.
