A cracked tooth is a dental emergency that demands professional care as quickly as possible. The measures you take at home are strictly temporary, designed only to alleviate immediate symptoms, prevent further damage to the tooth structure, and protect the soft tissues of your mouth until a dentist can be reached. These stop-gap methods are not a substitute for permanent dental restoration. Ignoring professional treatment can lead to serious complications, such as infection or complete tooth loss. Your immediate focus should be on stabilizing the situation and securing an appointment for a full dental examination.
Immediate Steps for Pain and Swelling Management
Gently clean the area and control any discomfort you may be experiencing. Immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out any small food particles or debris that may have lodged in the crack. A warm saline solution (a half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) can be swished gently to cleanse the area and promote a healthy environment.
To address localized pain and inflammation, take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to package directions. These medications are generally effective for reducing both pain and any associated swelling. Avoid placing the pain reliever directly against the gum tissue near the cracked tooth, as this can cause a chemical burn and irritate the sensitive area.
If you notice external swelling on your face or cheek, apply a cold compress to the area. Place a bag of ice or a cold pack wrapped in a cloth on the outside of your cheek for cycles of 10 to 15 minutes. Applying cold constricts the blood vessels, which helps reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing a degree of temporary relief.
Methods for Securing the Cracked Area
After cleaning the area and managing pain, the next priority is to physically secure the tooth and cover any sharp edges. A jagged edge on a cracked tooth can easily cut the tongue, cheek, or other soft tissues of the mouth. To create a smooth barrier, you can use dental wax, which is widely available at most pharmacies.
To apply the wax, gently clean and dry the affected tooth with a piece of clean gauze or a cotton swab. Take a small amount of the dental wax and roll it between your fingers for a few seconds to warm and soften it. Press the softened wax directly over the crack or sharp edge, molding it carefully to the contour of the tooth to form a protective seal.
If dental wax is unavailable, a piece of sugar-free chewing gum can serve as a temporary alternative to cover the area. A dental repair kit containing temporary filling material (often cement or moldable beads) can also be used to pack into a larger gap or crack. These materials stabilize loose fragments and provide a barrier against bacteria and irritants, but they are not strong enough to withstand biting forces.
Actions to Avoid While Waiting for Treatment
While waiting for your dental appointment, protect the cracked tooth from any additional stress that could worsen the injury. You must avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the cracked tooth is located. Biting down applies pressure that can cause the fracture to spread deeper into the tooth structure, potentially reaching the sensitive inner pulp or even splitting the tooth completely.
Dietary restrictions are necessary to prevent further damage or sensitivity. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as nuts, ice, or caramel, as these require significant chewing force and can pull on or break off fragments. Also, steer clear of liquids and foods that are extremely hot or extremely cold, since rapid temperature changes can trigger sharp pain and sensitivity.
When performing oral hygiene, be mindful of the compromised area. Continue to brush and floss, but do so very gently around the cracked tooth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Aggressive flossing or attempting to pick at the crack can dislodge any temporary material you have applied or exacerbate the fracture.
Understanding the Severity of the Crack
Cracks are classified by their depth and location, which determines the severity of the injury and the required treatment. The least severe are craze lines, which are superficial, hairline fractures confined only to the outer enamel layer. These often cause no pain and are primarily a cosmetic concern.
A more serious concern is a cracked tooth where the fracture extends vertically from the chewing surface toward the root. If this crack reaches the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel), it can cause sensitivity to temperature and pain upon release of biting pressure. If the crack progresses further into the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
A cracked tooth becomes an immediate medical emergency if the fracture results in severe, unrelenting pain or if you observe signs of infection. Symptoms like significant swelling around the tooth, the presence of pus, or a fever indicate that bacteria have invaded the pulp and an abscess is forming. A severe vertical root fracture or a split tooth (where the crack has divided the tooth into two distinct segments) requires immediate professional intervention, as the prognosis for saving the tooth decreases significantly.