A cracked tooth can become very problematic and lead to other, more concerning oral health problems if not properly dealt with in a timely manner. By understanding exactly what to do after enduring a cracked tooth, you can ensure you receive proper treatment and keep the pain and sensitivity at a tolerable level.
Tips for treating cracked teeth
Along with treatment administered by a dentist, there are certain things that can be done to help prevent a cracked tooth from becoming more painful or causing an increased level of sensitivity. The following are five important tips to follow when treating a cracked tooth.
1. Seek immediate care
First and foremost, it is crucial to seek immediate care from a dentist after suffering a cracked tooth. A cracked tooth often gets worse the longer it goes untreated, and the risk of developing an infection or other serious oral health concerns increases. After suffering a cracked tooth — or discovering that a cracked tooth exists — be sure to visit a dentist to ensure it is properly dealt with and the appropriate treatment is administered.
2. Use a clove oil remedy
One of the best at home techniques for relieving pain and sensitivity brought on by a cracked tooth is to use a clove oil remedy on the tooth. Clove oil can numb the affected area and reduce the amount of discomfort that exists. However, it is important to apply the clove oil in a proper manner. Place two drops of clove oil on a cotton swab, and then lightly dab the cracked tooth with the cotton swab for several minutes or until the pain is reduced.
3. Avoid pressure
A big mistake that many make after suffering a cracked tooth is placing too much pressure on the tooth to try and relieve the pain. Instead, try to resist the urge to touch the cracked tooth unless instructed to do so by a dentist. Try not to chew with the cracked tooth, and avoid food and drinks that are really hot or cold.
4. Clean tooth gently
As previously mentioned, placing too much pressure on a cracked tooth can cause an increase in pain and sensitivity. Next, it is important to clean the cracked tooth gently by softly brushing over it and using mouthwash more than usual in order to prevent an infection from developing. In the event it becomes too painful to clean the cracked tooth properly, visit a dentist as soon as possible for proper treatment.
5. Determine the cause
It is also important to know the exact reason the affected tooth cracked in the first place in order to prevent teeth from cracking in the future. In the event a tooth cracked during physical activity, the cause may be obvious. A cracked tooth that results from grinding teeth at night or other less obvious reasons may be a cause that is much harder to identify. Be sure to talk to your dentist about exactly why your cracked tooth came about and how you can properly treat and prevent it moving forward.
By following the tips above, treating your cracked tooth should be a seamless process without complications.
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