How to Keep a Cracked Tooth From Getting Worse

A cracked tooth can get worse by getting more damaged or by becoming infected. Subsequently, it is important to take precautionary measures to protect the tooth and schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to get the restorative treatment that you need for your cracked tooth. 

How to prevent infection or further damage of a cracked tooth

You can significantly reduce the risk of a tooth infection or further tooth damage by using the cracked tooth as little as possible, keeping the mouth clean, and protecting the tooth from additional harm. It is also essential to visit the dentist within a week or two for a dental crown or another type of dental restoration. 

Use the cracked tooth as little as possible

It is essential to protect the crack from worsening and extending toward the root of the tooth. If this were to concur, it could cause significant damage or an infection, resulting in the need for root canal therapy. Subsequently, it is important to use the tooth as little as possible. This should include chewing on the other side of the mouth and eating soft foods that do not require tearing or excessive chewing. 

Practice good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is also essential to prevent an infection or more damage. This includes regular brushing, flossing gently, and using mouthwash as directed by the dentist. Be sure to also keep a close eye on the cracked tooth and monitor it to see if it gets worse or if the gums around the tooth begin to swell. 

Use a saltwater rinse to keep the mouth clean

A salt water rinse is a simple yet effective way to keep the mouth sanitized and prevent an oral infection. Do a saltwater rinse several times a day. Rinse for approximately 30 seconds, ensuring to rinse thoroughly in the area of the cracked tooth. If any signs of infection are noticed, contact the dentist immediately. 

Protect the tooth while sleeping

Many cracked teeth are caused by grinding teeth while sleeping (bruxism). For patients who may grind their teeth at night, they should consider buying a mouthguard to wear while asleep until visiting the dentist to repair the crack. This provides a soft barrier between teeth to prevent them from grinding together. 

Visit the dentist for treatment as soon as possible

Ideally, patients should schedule a visit to have the cracked tooth treated within a few days after the crack occurs and no more than two weeks after the incident. If symptoms begin to worsen, an emergency visit to the dentist for immediate care is most likely necessary. 

Get the cracked tooth treatment that you need at our practice

Here at our dental practice, we offer cracked tooth treatment, and we can schedule a visit in a timely manner to reduce the risk of the cracked tooth getting worse before you receive treatment. Do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us by email to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

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