Cracked Tooth Pain — Relief, & Seeking Urgent Dental Care

Cracked tooth pain is a common dental issue but can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience that requires emergency dental care.

When a natural tooth becomes cracked, it can result in extreme sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures, pain when chewing, and even lead to infection. Ignoring cracked tooth pain can result in severe dental problems, so visiting a dentist for a cracked tooth diagnosis and seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential.

However, how can you make the pain caused by a chipped or broken tooth bearable until you get the care you need? Fortunately, some effective pain-relief remedies are easily accessible and can ease dental pain.

Before relieving it, it’s important to know what causes this crippling tooth pain. 

What Causes Cracked Teeth?

A tooth can crack for any one of the following reasons: 

Hard foods

A common cause of tooth fracture is biting down on hard objects or food, such as ice, hard candy, or nuts. This sudden strong force can put too much pressure on a tooth, leading to cracks. 

Dental decay

Another cause of tooth cracks is tooth decay. When a tooth is decayed, it is weaker and more susceptible to cracks, especially if the decay is not treated and progresses. 

Dental work

Teeth that have undergone a lot of dental work, such as fillings, crowns, or a root canal treatment, are also more likely to crack. This is because dental work can weaken the structure of a tooth and make it more prone to cracks. 

Bruxism

Grinding or clenching one’s teeth can also be a significant factor in tooth damage, including cracks. When someone grinds or clenches their teeth, it can put additional stress on the teeth and lead to damage over time. 

Trauma

Finally, trauma or injury, such as a blow to the face, can result in a cracked tooth. Any impact on the teeth can create fractures or breaks, which can be challenging to see with the naked eye. 

Types of Dental Cracks

Several different types of dental cracks can result in cracked tooth pain. Some of them are: 

Craze Lines

These are tiny hairline cracks that occur on the tooth enamel. They are usually harmless and do not usually cause any pain. 

Fractured Cusp

This crack occurs when a small piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. It can be quite painful but is usually not serious. 

Split Tooth

A split tooth occurs when the tooth has been split vertically. This is one of the most severe cracks and is usually very painful. Often the most effective treatment for this is tooth extraction. 

Vertical Root Fracture

Vertical root fractures can occur in the tooth’s root and can be difficult to diagnose. They often require the tooth to be extracted.

Now that you know what can cause teeth to crack and the different types of cracks that can form, it’s important you know how to safely manage the toothache caused by these cracks until you can see a qualified dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Broken Tooth Pain Relief: Home Remedies That Work

A fractured tooth can be a real pain, especially if it extends below the gum line. These toothaches can be painful and are often ill-timed, presenting in the middle of the night.

While seeking professional dental care may be the best option, several home remedies can provide relief from toothaches. 

Clove oil

This oil from cloves has antiseptic properties, which can help numb the pain associated with dental cracks. Dip a cotton ball into clove oil and place it on the affected tooth and surrounding gum area. 

Saltwater rinse

This is a simple and effective remedy. Make a saline solution with salt and lukewarm water and swish this solution around your mouth frequently before spitting it out. Saltwater can help reduce inflammation and fight off infection-causing bacteria. 

Peppermint tea bags

Peppermint tea bags have natural numbing properties that can provide temporary relief for toothache pain. Steep a peppermint teabag in boiling water, let it cool, then place it on the affected tooth for about 20 minutes. 

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can possibly reduce pain and swelling. Steep some dried chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water, then allow the tea to cool and use it as a mouthwash. 

Garlic

Garlic has anti-microbial properties that can help destroy bacteria-causing toothaches. Mix salt and crushed garlic and apply it to the affected tooth. 

Vanilla extract

Many people have found relief from tooth pain using vanilla extract. Pour a few drops of the extract onto a small cotton ball and place it on the tooth that hurts. The alcohol content in the vanilla extract can help numb the pain. 

Hydrogen peroxide

A hydrogen peroxide and water solution can be used to reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria causing toothache.

Mix equal quantities of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide before swishing it around your mouth.

Note that this solution is not recommended for children. 

Onion

Onion has anti-microbial properties that can help fight off bacteria-causing toothaches. Place a small slice of onion on the affected tooth and gum area. 

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is rich in antiseptic properties that help to kill bacteria and reduce pain. Apply it to the affected tooth mixed with any carrier oil, such as coconut, avocado, or almond oil. 

Turmeric

Turmeric is enriched with natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe toothache pain. Mix turmeric and water to create a paste and apply it to the affected tooth. 

Warm compress

Applying a warm compress to your cheek along the cracked tooth can help reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Soak a washcloth in lukewarm water, wring it out, and place it on the affected tooth. 

NSAIDs

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective against toothaches because they relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Toothaches are often caused by inflammation in the dental pulp, where nerve endings and blood vessels of the tooth are located. NSAIDs act by blocking the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. This helps reduce inflammation in the dental pulp, which in turn reduces the toothache.

Furthermore, NSAIDs have been shown to be more effective at relieving pain from a fractured tooth than other common pain relievers.

Bear in mind that these home remedies are not a substitute for professional dental care. If the toothache persists or worsens despite any of these home remedies, seek professional dental care attention from one of the highly qualified dentists at Bright-On Bay Dental, who have vast experience in emergency dental treatments such as treating cracked tooth syndrome. 

Treating a Cracked Tooth for Pain Relief

When treating a cracked tooth, there are several options to consider. The type of treatment for a dental crack will be determined by its severity and location, as well as your overall dental health.

Dental bonding

For minor cracks, dental bonding may be a suitable option. In this procedure, a tooth-coloured resin is carefully applied to the dental surface and hardened with a special light. The resin helps to restore the tooth’s shape and prevent further damage. Dental bonding typically takes thirty minutes to an hour and can last several years with proper care. 

Dental crown

A dental crown may be necessary if the crack is significant and threatens the tooth’s overall structure. A crown is a custom-made cover that fits over the damaged tooth, providing protection and an improved appearance. Crowns can be made of only porcelain or metal or a combination of both. Usually, it takes two appointments to get them properly fitted. 

Root canal treatment

Sometimes, a cracked tooth may have damaged the nerve or pulp inside. In such cases, a root canal treatment may be necessary to prevent infection and save the tooth.

Our dentist will remove the damaged nerve tissue during this procedure, clean and disinfect the tooth’s interior, and seal it with a filling or crown.

While root canal treatment may sound intimidating, it can often save a damaged tooth from getting extracted and provide lasting relief from pain and discomfort. 

Tooth extraction

In certain cases, a cracked tooth may be beyond repair and need extraction. This is usually a last resort, as preserving natural teeth is always preferred. Getting a tooth extracted is usually a simple and uncomplicated process that can be done in just one appointment with your dentist. After the tooth is extracted, a tooth implant or bridge may be recommended to restore function and appearance. 

Why Choose Bright-On Bay Dental?

When it comes to urgent dental care for a tooth fracture, there’s no better choice than Bright-On Bay Dental.

We understand the discomfort of a dental emergency, especially if you are experiencing cracked tooth pain. That’s why we prioritise emergency dental care and keep appointment slots open for such situations. Our online booking system provides even more convenience, allowing you to easily and quickly schedule an appointment.

Our highly-qualified, experienced dentists are committed to providing personalised care and working with you to create a treatment plan that provides fast, long-lasting relief from toothache. We understand a tooth extraction can be a daunting prospect, which is why we only consider it as a last resort.

Our family-owned dental practice is based on providing compassionate care and respect. Our friendly, empathetic dentists take the time to take your dental history and explain your dental requirements and expected costs honestly and openly.

Don’t wait for the pain to worsen – book an appointment today or call us on (02) 9538 7028 and experience the Bright-On Bay Dental difference. 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. 

Resources

Cracked tooth syndrome: Overview of literature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606573/ 

Cracked tooth: Types, causes, and treatments
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/