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Oct 01, 2024
A cracked tooth is an undesirable problem that can affect anyone because of injuries, biting hard foods, or teeth grinding. It can be a slight crack on the surface or break the tooth completely. It is known as a fractured tooth, and it can also occur due to large fillings that weaken the tooth in the long run. A cracked tooth can impair the charm of your smile and even lead to problems like pain, sensitivity and swelling of the gums. A completely split tooth due to dental trauma is an emergency that must be treated immediately.
Cracks can appear in any part of the tooth and are common among the front teeth and molars in the lower jaw. A small fracture (hairline) on the surface is known as a craze line, while a crack that goes down to the gum line is known as a cracked tooth. A tooth broken into two parts is called a split, and when the crack grows from below the gum line to the surface, it is known as a vertical root fracture. Here is how to make a cracked tooth stop hurting. It can help manage pain until you visit your dentist.
1. Take Pain-Relief Medicines
Cracked teeth can hurt a lot if the fracture is deep and has broken the tooth. It requires immediate medical intervention. However, if you are unable to visit your dentist because of odd hours or distance, you can opt for a pain-relieving medicine. Various types of over-the-counter medicines provide quick pain alleviation. These can be bought with a prescription from the pharmacies or retail stores stocking these medicines.
Some of these include ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin. While paracetamol is the most commonly used medicine for pain, ibuprofen is helpful in relieving pain and swelling. Make sure to check with the pharmacist about the right medicine and inform them about any other medicines you are taking or any existing medical conditions.
2. Rinse Mouth With Salt Water
One of the most common ways prescribed by trusted dentists in Hope Island for reducing tooth pain is rinsing the mouth with salt water. The solution can be prepared with one cup of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of table salt. The natural mouthwash must be swished around in the mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out.
Salt water rinses help to relieve pain and swelling, but the relief is for a short duration and can begin again. It can be repeated after 3-4 hours because it keeps the mouth clean and reduces the risk of bacterial infection. It has no side effects.
3. Use A Cold Compress
Tooth pain can be distressing and may prevent an individual from sleeping or focusing on work. In such situations, an ice pack must be used to relieve the discomfort. It must be wrapped in a cloth and placed over the face where it hurts. The cold compress must be held in position for nearly 20 minutes before removing it and placing it again.
The chill from the ice pack helps contract the blood vessels and numb the area, alleviating pain and swelling. The gap between placing the cold compress back after numbing should be at least 20 minutes. It is also recommended if there is gum bleeding due to an injury.
4. Avoid Eating Hard Foods
When you are feeling hungry but have tooth pain due to cracking of the surface, it is better to avoid hard foods. Biting and chewing can increase pain. Sticking to soups and liquid foods that have been brought down to room temperature is vital. Do not consume hot and cold beverages because the exposed nerves can cause throbbing pain.
Expert Hope Island dentists recommend avoiding crunchy fruits and vegetables during dental emergencies. If you do not have any option, use the other side to chew these foods and be gentle while eating to prevent putting pressure on the cracked tooth.
5. Make Use of Clove Oil
Clove oil is one of the most preferred pain-relieving options for tooth pain. It contains a natural anaesthetic called eugenol, which also has anti-bacterial properties. Eugenol works on the nerve endings and stops the pain signals from reaching the brain. It reduces inflammation and pain caused by a cracked tooth.
If you are using undiluted clove oil, mix it with edible coconut or olive oil to prevent a burning sensation. The diluted oil can be poured over a cotton ball, which should then be placed over the hurting tooth. It can start working in 10-15 minutes, and the cotton can be replenished with the oil every 2-3 hours. However, do not avoid visiting the dentist if the pain subsides because a cracked tooth can become infected.
6. Sleep With Your Head Propped Up
Toothache can be reduced by sleeping with your head propped up or in an upright position (sitting on a chair). This prevents blood from accumulating in the head and aggravating the pain. If upright sleeping is not possible, you can place extra pillows under your head while sleeping to elevate it. Make sure to visit your dentist in Hope Island as soon as possible the required treatment based on the severity of the crack.
Wrapping Up
Dental problems can occur at any moment and can be painful. A cracked tooth is one such trouble that can hurt a lot and should be examined and treated by a reliable practitioner. The tips mentioned above can help reduce the pain until you get the treatment.
