Cracked tooth, aka CTS, is cracked tooth syndrome. In this syndrome, a tooth can crack at some point in your life. The reasons can be age, trauma, or bruxism (grinding your teeth, specifically at night). Other causes include endodontic surgeries and large fillings in the teeth. CTS can also happen if you suddenly expose your teeth to hot or cold temperatures or chew food too hard. It can be excruciating and damage the tissues. It is better in CTS to consult a dentist immediately and get it removed before the situation worsens.
Natural Remedies
Home remedies are not a substitute for the dentist’s checkup. Some people are unable to have immediate access to dentists. So, here are some natural home remedies for cracked teeth.
Gauze
After locating the cracked tooth, put pressure on the site by biting the gauze piece. It will stop the bleeding and reduce pain. The gauze piece also helps to protect from teeth grinding.
Over the Counter Medication (OTC)
Over-the-counter medicines are often prescribed for immediate pain relief caused by CTS. OTC is for numbing the pain for a certain period and is not equal to the dentist’s treatment. You can never hold the pain for a longer time. You must visit the dentist for a proper checkup and immediate treatment. One over-the-counter medicine used in CTS is ibuprofen, like Mortin. Another one is Advil or acetaminophen like Tylenol, etc.
Salt Water Rinse
Salt water rinse is an immediate and most effective natural remedy to cure CTS. It reduces inflammation and prevents the affected site from infection. It is a natural remedy that promotes oral hygiene. Use salt water and rinse twice or thrice a day right after meals. Mix one tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently swish the mixture around your mouth. Avoid eating sugary products.
Ice Pack
Use an ice pack to reduce the inflammation caused by the injury, pain, or trauma. It numbs the affected area for some time and provides relief. It is advised not to swallow the ice if the affected area has exposed tissues, as it will harm and can increase the pain. Compress the affected site from outside for a short period, at most 10-15 minutes. It helps to mitigate the pain by making it less severe.
Clove Oil
We have heard from our ancestors that we can use cloves to deal with teeth issues. It is not wrong; it is a great trick to relieve the tooth’s extreme pain quickly. Clove has a special ingredient known as eugenol. Eugenol has almost every property that an over-the-counter medicine should have.
Clove acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and analgesic. Clove oil reduces inflammation and irritation on the wounded site. It also lessens the pain. Pour 2-3 drops of clove oil on a cotton swab or cotton ball. You can directly apply it with your finger. You can rub it for some time until the pain is gone. It is important to note that this is only an immediate remedy; it soothes the pain for some time. It does not resolve or treat the original cause.
Avoid Certain Foods
Some foods are too hard to chew. They will cause pain and discomfort. Avoid foods that are too hard or chewy. They can exert pressure on the cracked tooth and get stuck in it. It is better to use soft foods. Soft foods are easy to swallow and easy on teeth while healing.
Dental Wax
Dental Wax, also known as tooth wax or orthodontics wax, is a temporary bandage. Place it on the sharp edges or corners of a cracked tooth. It prevents the soft tissues from pain. Use it for a maximum of a day or two. It is readily available and cost-effective. It protects from infection and decay. It also minimises the sensitivity that causes discomfort.
Conclusion
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) can result from aging, trauma, bruxism, and other factors. Seeking immediate dental care is vital to prevent worsening pain and tissue damage. Natural remedies like gauze, over-the-counter pain relief, salt water rinses, ice packs, clove oil, soft foods, and dental wax can temporarily relieve those without immediate access to a dentist.
