Are you dealing with a chipped tooth but don’t know which home remedies would work? Don’t worry because you have come to the right place. Unless the damage is minor, there is no permanent way to repair it without visiting a dentist. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is treat the pain and protect your tooth from further damage.
Despite the strength of a human tooth, it can break due to a simple impact. Dealing with a chipped tooth is very uncomfortable. In such cases, making an appointment with a dentist is a smart move. If you can’t get one right away, read on to learn more about how you can fix a cracked tooth at home for temporary pain relief.
What Is A Chipped Tooth, And What Are Its Causes?
The lower jaw molars are the most common to suffer breakage. Tooth breakages can be either minor or severe. Deep and serious cracks run down to the root towards the pulp chamber that contains nerves and blood vessels. Some cracks are not visible inside the tooth or beneath the gums, and that’s why certain cracks tend to hurt more than others.
We discussed how some cracks are sneaky with a gloomy outlook, but how do you end up with chipped teeth in the first place? Here is how:
- Our teeth are sensitive to pressure and temperature. Consequently, grinding your teeth or eating hard foods can damage your teeth.
- Consuming extremely hot or cold food items can also exacerbate this problem.
- Some traumatic events like the impact of an accident or a fall can deal a damaging blow to your teeth.
Home Remedies For Chipped Tooth
According to the American Dental Association, if you break or chip a tooth, you should immediately rinse your mouth with warm salt water to remove any bacteria. Apply pressure and an ice pack to the area to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling. Wrap the broken tooth in a wet gauze and bring it to the dentist with you. Ensure that you do not lose the chipped-off piece of a tooth so that your dentist can fix it. Meanwhile, you are waiting for the upcoming appointment; the following remedies help abate pain and retain further damage:
- Apply clove oil to the affected area. Clove oil contains eugenol, a numbing agent with anti-inflammatory properties
- Make sure to floss around the cracked tooth to remove plaque and food particles
- Do not poke it excessively
- You can also reduce the pressure by sleeping with your head elevated. This will ensure that you get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid eating from the chipped side and consume soft, neutral-temperature foods.
When Is The Right Time To See A Dentist?
Because it is difficult to tell how serious the damage is, it is best to see a dentist without delay. There are no effective chipped tooth home remedies for preventing further damage to your teeth. The sharp edges of a chipped tooth can cut your soft tissues like your gums and cheek. This causes additional pain and infection, thus, leading to potentially expensive treatment. On the other hand, untreated damage may result in tooth loss or other complications due to infection. Therefore, you shouldn’t cancel or even delay your visit to a dentist. You can visit Briar Forest Dental Group for any of your challenges and issues. Ring us at 713-784-4430 for more inquiries.