Woke up with a sudden sharp pain in your tooth? Or maybe you bit into something hard and felt that dreaded crack. A cracked tooth can be annoying, painful, and a bit scary, but before you rush to the dentist or start Googling horror stories, let’s take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and yes, there are a few ways you can manage or even support healing naturally, at least to some extent, while also knowing when to call in the professionals. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to fix a cracked tooth naturally at home, what to avoid, and how to prevent further damage.
Understanding a Cracked Tooth: What’s Really Happening?
Before diving into remedies, let’s understand the problem. A cracked tooth isn’t always visible. It might just feel like a sharp jolt of pain while chewing or sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages. Cracks can be superficial or deep, and the way you treat them at home depends on their severity.
There are different types of tooth cracks:
- Craze lines – tiny cracks in the enamel, often harmless
- Fractured cusp – damage around a dental filling
- Cracks extending into the gum line – more serious and often need dental treatment
- Split tooth – when the tooth has cracked vertically into separate parts
For minor cracks or surface-level damage, natural remedies and home care can be quite effective in managing symptoms and protecting the tooth from worsening.
Signs You May Have a Cracked Tooth
It’s important to recognize the signs early. A cracked tooth might show up as:
- Sudden pain while chewing
- Increased sensitivity to temperature
- Swelling around the gums
- Discomfort that comes and goes
- Visible crack or roughness on the tooth surface
If these sound familiar, keep reading, we’ll guide you through the next best steps you can take at home.
Can You Really Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally?
Here’s the honest answer: You can’t completely heal a cracked tooth without dental intervention, especially if it’s deep. However, you can manage minor cracks, prevent them from getting worse, and reduce the pain or sensitivity using some natural and safe methods.
Think of these as temporary relief strategies and protective measures, not permanent fixes.
How To Fix A Cracked Tooth Naturally At Home? Simple Remedies
1. Oil Pulling: A Gentle, Ancient Cleanser
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing coconut or sesame oil in your mouth. It helps remove bacteria, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your gums.
How to do it:
- Take a tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil
- Swish it around your mouth for 10–15 minutes (don’t swallow)
- Spit it out, rinse with warm water, and brush as usual
This doesn’t “seal” the crack, but it creates a cleaner environment around it, reducing the risk of infection.
2. Clove Oil: Nature’s Pain Reliever
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial compound. It has been used for centuries to ease tooth pain.
How to use:
- Dip a clean cotton swab into clove oil
- Dab it gently on the cracked tooth
- Use 1–2 times daily for relief
This method is especially helpful if you’re feeling sharp pain or sensitivity while chewing.
3. Salt Water Rinse: Simple Yet Powerful
Salt is a natural disinfectant. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and soothe the affected area.
How to do it:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of warm water
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly for 30 seconds
- Repeat twice a day
You can read more about How Salt Keeps Dental Problems Away in our detailed guide.
4. Avoid These Foods to Prevent Worsening
Certain foods can worsen a cracked tooth, especially those that are:
- Hard (ice cubes, hard candies)
- Sticky (caramel, chewing gum)
- Very hot or cold (extreme temperatures can cause expansion/contraction)
Instead, choose soft, lukewarm foods that don’t put extra pressure on your teeth.
5. Use a Temporary Dental Filling Kit
Many pharmacies offer temporary dental repair kits that contain zinc oxide-based fillers. These can be used to temporarily seal a crack and protect the tooth from further exposure.
Note: This is not a substitute for a dentist but a temporary fix if you’re waiting for an appointment.
6. Try Calcium-Rich Foods to Support Tooth Strength
While they won’t reverse the crack, calcium-rich foods like yogurt, leafy greens, almonds, and cheese can strengthen surrounding enamel and support overall dental health. Your teeth need nourishment just like bones do.
7. Aloe Vera Gel for Gum Inflammation
If your cracked tooth is causing gum swelling, apply a dab of pure aloe vera gel to soothe inflammation. It’s antibacterial and healing, making it a gentle remedy for sensitive mouths.
8. Stay Hydrated and Maintain Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene can’t be skipped. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, gentle floss, and don’t skip brushing, especially after meals. Staying hydrated helps keep saliva flowing, which naturally fights off harmful bacteria.
When to Stop Home Remedies and See a Dentist
Let’s be real, natural remedies can only do so much. If you notice:
- Continuous or worsening pain
- Swelling that spreads
- Pus formation or foul taste
- Tooth turning dark or discolored
it’s time to book a dental visit. You might need more serious treatments like a crown, root canal, or veneer depending on the damage.
Wondering How Long Does a Root Canal Take or How Much Are Veneers? We’ve got those covered too.
Can Invisalign Help With Cracked Teeth?
Not directly, but if your crack happened due to teeth grinding or misalignment, straightening your teeth can reduce future stress on enamel. Learn How Long Does Invisalign Take.
Can Gaps Between Teeth Lead to Cracks?
In some cases, yes. If there’s too much spacing, it can put uneven pressure on certain teeth, making them more vulnerable. Explore How to Reduce Gap Between Teeth Naturally if this sounds like your situation.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to fix a cracked tooth naturally at home can be a helpful first step, but it’s not a replacement for professional care. Use these remedies to manage symptoms, support your dental health, and buy some time before seeing a dentist.
And remember, NutBolt India is your go-to hub for every “what,” “why,” “how,” and “when”, whether it’s dental health, home hacks, or wellness tips. We’re here to make your everyday questions easier to understand.
Stay mindful, stay smiling, and don’t chew on ice cubes!
