Taking Care Of A Cracked Tooth
A tooth can crack when you are given a blow while playing contact sports like hockey, or when you least expect it to, such as when you are grinding hard on the tooth. Whatever the case, the crack comes with an unbearable amount of pain. At times, the crack is accompanied by swelling as well. The following are tips on how you can take care of a tooth immediately after it has cracked.
Use An Ice Pack
Using an ice pack is a well-known method of dealing with pain. Just place the ice around the fractured tooth for some minutes; the ice will take care of the pain as well as the swelling.
Use Warm Salt Water
Salt water works best in alleviating toothaches caused by cracks because it works as an antiseptic that kills bacteria present in the affected tooth. So rinse your mouth with some salt water at least two times in a day to deal with the pain.
Use A Chewing Gum
A softened piece of gum can cover the crack and help in limiting the pain until you get to a dentist. But to avoid additional discomfort, avoid chewing on anything else.
Use Clove Oil
Clove oil is widely used because it numbs the nerves. The oil is able to perform this function because of eugenol, its primary compound, which is also a natural anesthetic. When using clove oil, though, you must be careful, as pouring the oil on the cracked tooth can worsen the pain if you have sensitive gums. To use the oil correctly, soak a piece of cotton wool in the oil and blot the cotton wool on a tissue paper to get rid of excess oil. Then use a pair of tweezers to apply the cotton to your tooth; hold it there for ten seconds.
These methods rarely restore a cracked tooth, but they do help to curb the pain and the swelling that are usually associated with cracked teeth. If you want your tooth or teeth restored, visit a dentist for advanced treatment. And the sooner the better, as delayed treatment can lead to more serious fractures.
Prevention
You can prevent your teeth from cracking by avoiding hard foods and avoiding chewing or biting on hard objects. If you grind your teeth at night, a night-guard may come in handy. And if you engage in sporting activities, invest in a mouthguard if you do not have one already.
Be sure to contact your dentist after any dental emergencies.
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