Enjoying delicious treats is one of the pleasures of the holiday season for most of us. Unfortunately, for some of us, those treats hide an unexpected danger: cracked teeth. From hard candies to nuts to popcorn and even cookies, lots of treats can cause cracks, along with pain and an increased risk of infection.
While a crack may seem minor at first, even a small fracture can quickly lead to complications when treatment is delayed. In this post, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC reviews a few simple steps to help you deal with a cracked tooth, so you can relieve symptoms, avoid complications, and restore your smile.
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove debris and reduce the risk of bacteria collecting around the crack. Rinsing helps soothe the tissue surrounding the tooth and decreases irritation, too.
Avoid mouthwashes that could irritate your gums or tooth — stick with plain, warm water instead. Again, the emphasis is on gentle — don’t switch aggressively, since that could cause irritation, too.
Sometimes, a crack leaves a sharp or jagged edge, especially if it dislodges a filling or other restoration. Use a little dental wax to cover sharp edges and protect soft tissues from cuts or abrasions. No dental wax? Sugar-free gum works in a pinch.
You should also avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you can be evaluated. Even soft foods can put excess stress on a cracked tooth or force food and bacteria inside the tooth, increasing the risks of pain and infection.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease inflammation and discomfort until your appointment with our team. These medications help reduce irritation, so it’s easier to get through meals and other activities without sharp jolts of pain.
A cold compress or ice pack placed on the outside of your cheek can also help with swelling or soreness. Apply it gently for short intervals to avoid irritating your skin, and never apply an ice pack (or ice) directly to your skin — wrap it in a light cloth, instead.
If part of the tooth breaks off, gently place the fragment in a clean container and bring it with you to your visit. While we can’t guarantee we can “rebuild” a damaged tooth, we can still use it to assess the damage and map out your repair and restoration.
Tooth cracks often extend through the enamel layer into the interior pulp part of the tooth — the area where the tooth’s nerves are located. As a result, it’s common to have sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Until your office visit, stick with room temperature foods and drinks, and avoid very sugary foods that can cause pain and feed bacteria, too.
It’s normal to be a little wary about brushing around a cracked tooth, especially if the area is irritated. But keeping the area clean is important to reduce the risk of infection. Use a soft-brustled brush and a gentle touch, with small, circular motions to dislodge food debris and bacteria.
This item might be last on the list, but it’s actually one of the first things you should do. A tooth crack should never be ignored, even if it doesn’t cause symptoms. Delaying treatment could lead to more serious tooth damage or deep infections that can spread to the bone or other parts of your body over time.
Cracking a tooth can definitely set off alarm bells, but we’re here to help. If you think you have a cracked tooth, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
