Have you ever experienced a sudden, excruciating toothache? If so, it could indicate that you could have developed a cracked tooth.
While the pain from a chipped or broken tooth can be quite distressing, the good news is that there are ways to get temporary and permanent pain relief. But first, let’s take learn about cracked teeth, which are a common dental emergency.
What Are The Different Types Of Tooth Cracks?
There are several different types of cracked teeth.
Split Tooth
A split tooth has a crack that runs along the entire tooth length, from the crown to the root.
Vertical Root Fracture
A vertical root fracture is an incomplete fracture that can occur when a part of the dental root breaks away from the rest of the tooth.
Fractures
Tooth fractures are cracks in a tooth’s enamel or dentin structure and can range from minor chips to bigger breaks.
Tooth Cracks
Tooth cracks typically result from chewing on hard foods or grinding while sleeping.
Tooth Fractures
Tooth fractures occur when force is applied to a weakened part of a tooth, usually near a filling or old crown.
Every type of cracked tooth requires immediate dental attention to prevent further damage to the affected area. While our primary concern will be to relieve the pain you are experiencing, we will also work towards addressing its cause and restoring your tooth with a crown or bridge.
What Makes A Tooth Crack?
Cracks in teeth can occur due to any of the following reasons:
Trauma
Blunt force, such as a blow to the face, can cause teeth to crack. This can occur due to sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or any other kind of physical trauma.
Chewing on hard substances such as candy or ice can also inflict trauma on the teeth, enough to make them crack.
Bruxism
This is the habitual clenching and grinding of teeth. It can contribute to cracked teeth as the constant pressure from clenching and grinding weakens tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to cracking.
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Health conditions such as a lack of vitamin D and calcium contribute to the development of cracked teeth. Disorders such as anemia and bulimia can also lead to a decrease in vitamins and minerals necessary for strong teeth enamel.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is another condition that may lead to cracked teeth when stomach acid starts eroding tooth enamel over time due to repeated contact with it.
Certain Medications
Medicines antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and medication to treat high blood pressure are known to cause dry mouth.
A dry mouth can lead to teeth cracking because saliva helps keep the mouth moist and provides natural protection against bacteria and acids in food.
Tooth Enamel Damage
The thin outer layer of protection for our teeth, known as enamel, can become damaged over time due to food acids, poor oral hygiene practices, or frequent grinding and clenching habits.
A tooth fracture is likely when this protective layer wears away, as it exposes gaps between our teeth which are more vulnerable to cracking from sudden pressure applications like biting into hard foods or using our teeth as tools for opening things.
How to Get Relief From Cracked Tooth Pain
As anyone experiencing toothache will acknowledge, getting relief from it tops any other requirement. Two categories of pain relief can help you – temporary and permanent relief.
Effective temporary pain relief measures include home remedies, but it is important you know that even though home remedies may provide toothache relief, the underlying cause must be diagnosed and treated. Treatment for permanent relief of cracked tooth pain requires a professional dental professional’s intervention.
Temporary Relief From Cracked Tooth Pain
These include many ingredients that may already be available in your kitchen and common pain medication.
Clove Oil
A common home remedy for relieving tooth pain is to apply clove oil directly to the affected tooth. This remedy has been used for centuries due to its naturally occurring antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and help treat infections in the mouth.
Peppermint Tea
Sipping on a cup of warm peppermint tea can relieve tooth pain due to its cooling and numbing properties and ability to reduce inflammation.
Peppermint Tea Bag
Peppermint tea bags are another great option for easing toothache discomfort quickly at home. Simply place a warm moist tea bag on the painful area of your mouth or cheek for around 10 minutes at a time until you feel some relief from the pain.
Salt Water Rinse
Gargling with warm salt water is another simple home remedy that can help with toothache relief by reducing bacteria in the mouth and decreasing swelling and inflammation.
Garlic
Applying garlic paste directly onto the affected area may relieve tooth pain due to its strong antibacterial properties, which can help treat infection in the gums or teeth.
Pain Medication
Cracked or broken tooth pain relief can be achieved by using over-the-counter medication, such as numbing gels applied directly to the affected area or taking over-the-counter oral analgesics. Cold compresses and stress reduction techniques may also help ease discomfort until professional treatment is sought.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and warm water can help reduce gum inflammation and fight off bacteria that could worsen your cracked tooth pain.
Permanent Relief From Cracked Tooth Pain
Temporary pain relief is a stop-gap measure till you get to your appointment with one of our experienced and gentle dentists. It is important that the cause of the cracked tooth is determined and steps taken to repair the damaged tooth.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is one of the most effective ways to relieve cracked tooth pain. This procedure removes the broken or damaged tooth completely to prevent further infection and pain. The dentist may also recommend an antibiotic to help reduce swelling and discomfort after the procedure.
Gum Line Repair
Repairing the gum line around a cracked tooth can also offer relief from pain. During this procedure, our competent dentist will use a special filling material to repair any gaps in the gums where bacteria may be gathering, reducing irritation and helping restore the normal function of your tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is another way to get relief from cracked tooth pain. In this treatment, our skilled dentists will access the inner parts of the affected tooth and remove any infected areas that are causing discomfort or infection risks.
During this procedure, the pulp (soft tissue) inside the root canal is removed before being replaced with a biocompatible material that seals off any remaining infections to provide long-term relief from both infection and associated pain.
Fractured Tooth Repair
A fractured tooth can often be repaired if caught early enough by reconstructing it with ceramic or composite materials so that its strength is restored and it looks as good as new again! This type of repair requires special tools, and once done, it should provide immediate relief from cracked tooth pain while restoring the normal function of teeth too!
Get Prompt Relief from Cracked Tooth Pain with MyHM Dentist’s Experienced Dentist!
At MyHM Dentist, we understand how uncomfortable it can be living with tooth pain, and we know how important it is for our patients to get quick relief which is why you can trust us to provide effective relief from cracked tooth pain.
Our experienced team of dental professionals, led by Dr Hiromi Matsuoka, is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain perfect oral health so that you can keep smiling with confidence.
Not only do we discuss your dental history before deciding on the best course of action for treating cracked tooth pain, but we also use the latest technology available to make its diagnosis faster, better and easier, so you can get the prompt, high-quality care you deserve. Whether you require crowns and bridges or a complete tooth implant, we’ve got you covered!
Whether you are in pain due to a cracked tooth or have any other dental issue, our friendly team will do everything possible to ensure you get back to feeling your best as soon as possible.
While we are centrally located in Kellyville, our dental clinic can be easily accessed by people living and working in surrounding suburbs, including
● Baulkham Hills
● Castle Hill
● Stanhope Gardens
● Glenwood
● Kings Langley
● Norwest
● Beaumont Hills
● Glenhaven
● The Ponds
● Kenthurst
Don’t suffer in silence anymore – call us on (02) 9158 6379 today!
Resources
Cracked Teeth
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth
Cracked tooth syndrome Part 2: restorative options for the management of cracked tooth syndrome
https://www.teethforlife.org.uk/cracked%20tooth%20part%202.pdf
