If you crack a tooth from eating hard food, sustaining a mouth injury or some other factor, you’ll want to do everything necessary to protect the tooth to keep the problem from getting worse. Even though minor cracks may not require any treatment, you should still visit a dentist who knows how to address a cracked tooth in Chicago. Here are some of the best things to do if you end up cracking a tooth.
Eat With Caution
Major tooth cracks can cause parts of teeth to break off if hard foods are chewed. It’s best to eat only soft foods and avoid chewing where any cracked teeth are located until you can get in to see a dentist.
Prevent Infection
A cracked tooth could lead to an infection. Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse can kill many of the germs that can infect the area around a cracked tooth. To reduce any swelling, try rinsing with warm saltwater.
Alleviate Pain
Cracked teeth can sometimes be painful, and you can do things to treat the pain until you can get in to see your dentist. Taking acetaminophen or another over-the-counter pain medicine can provide relief. Sleeping with your head elevated until the affected tooth is treated can also reduce pain. Foods and beverages that are very hot or very cold can exacerbate discomfort and should be avoided.
Get the Recommended Dental Treatment
Not getting the proper treatment that your dentist recommends won’t make the problem of having a cracked tooth go away. Treatment may include getting a crown or root canal. The affected tooth might also need to be pulled if the crack is severe enough.
Getting any cracked teeth treated as soon as possible can be beneficial for your overall dental health. Dental Specialists of North Shore can provide treatment for a cracked tooth in Chicago using some of the latest advancements in dentistry.
