Do You Have a Cracked Tooth? Try These Pain Relief Methods

Anyone who’s cracked a tooth knows that it can be more than an eyesore and more than an annoyance – it can be downright uncomfortable. Of course, the best thing to do for it is to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment to see a dentist. However, there are a few steps you can take to try and reduce pain in the meantime.

Try oil of cloves

Also known as eugenol, this is an ingredient that’s used in dental procedures and in dental products because it has natural antiseptic properties. You can find it at your local health store or buy it online from an ecommerce retailer. To use it, just dip a cotton ball into the oil and then hold that against the crack in your tooth. You should feel relief right away. Make sure you spit often because while this oil is non-toxic, you don’t want to swallow too much of it.

Skip food that hurt your teeth

As you’re dealing with this pain, try to avoid foods and drinks that can hurt your teeth. For example, anything that’s very hot, such as coffee, or very cold, such as ice cream, is going to cause you pain. It’s also wise to skip foods that are sugary or acidic, as they can cause pain too. This is due to the fact that your cracked tooth has likely left your nerve exposed. Anything hot, cold, sweet, or acidic that the nerve comes into contact with is going to cause a shooting pain.

Use warm salt water

Many people have been told to wash their mouth out with warm salt water since they were kids, and it’s common that people believe it’s nothing more than an old wife’s tale. The truth is that it can get rid of any bacteria that may be inflaming your cracked tooth. Swishing with salted water for 30 seconds can help you prevent infection until you can get in to see your California dentist.

Use over the counter pain medications

Unless you have a health reason not to, it’s a good idea to take your preferred over the counter medication to help combat the pain. You can use those which reduce inflammation, which is the main thing causing you pain after a cracked tooth. Make sure that you’re not taking more than the recommend dosage and that whatever you choose to take doesn’t interfere with any other medications you’re taking.

Get to the dentist as soon as you can

The above tips are to help you get through the immediate pain until you can get to the dentist. At California Dental Group, we can help rid you of the pain and find the right cosmetic dentistry option to get you looking as good as new. This can be both a painful and scary experience but the good news is that we’re here to help you. Call us right now at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.