Cracked teeth are very common, affecting millions of patients of all ages. In fact, data suggest as many as 80% of Americans over 40 have had at least one cracked tooth.

Larger cracks can cause a lot of pain; smaller cracks — not so much. But regardless of their size or whether they cause symptoms, all cracks have one thing in common: They need prompt dental treatment to prevent more serious problems, like deep decay, infection, and tooth loss.

At Yardley Family Dental, Phillip Halper, DDS, and our team offer emergency dental treatment for patients in Yardley, Pennsylvania, with cracked teeth, including same-day appointments. Here’s what you can do to help relieve your symptoms and protect your tooth until you can get to our office.

What to do if you’ve cracked a tooth

If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, the first thing you should do is call our office to set up an appointment. Depending on your symptoms and the extent of the crack, we may recommend a same-day appointment or a visit the next day. Until you see the dentist, here’s what you can do to protect your tooth and relieve painful symptoms.

Rinse gently

Rinsing the area with warm water helps get rid of any food particles or other debris that could increase painful symptoms and even trigger the early stages of decay or infection. Adding a little salt to the water helps reduce swelling, too.

Apply a cool compress

If you have swelling as a result of your tooth crack, applying cold to the outside of your cheek can help reduce the swelling and the pain it’s causing. You can use an icepack, a cool compress, or even a bag of frozen peas — just be sure to use a light cloth to separate anything frozen from the surface of your skin.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen help relieve pain and reduce underlying inflammation. You can also use a liquid pain reliever specifically for toothaches, applying a little bit to the surrounding gum tissue to numb it.

Avoid chewing with that tooth

Cracks weaken teeth, and if you use that tooth to bite or chew, the crack could widen or all or part of the tooth could fracture and break off. If your appointment isn’t until the next day, do everything you can to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent putting pressure on the tooth.

Stick with soft foods or liquids

It’s also a good idea to avoid eating anything crunchy or chewy because these foods can just make that crack worse. Opt for soft foods or liquids like yogurt, smoothies, or soup. Because your tooth may be extra-sensitive to temperatures, too, avoid anything that’s really cold or really hot.

State-of-the-art treatment for cracked teeth

Dr. Halper offers a range of treatments for cracked teeth, depending on which tooth is cracked, the extent of the crack, and other factors. During your emergency office visit, he examines your tooth and orders X-rays so he can recommend the best option for preserving your beautiful smile.

If you have — or suspect you have — a cracked tooth, don’t think you can just ignore it and everything will be OK. Even the tiniest crack can lead to decay, tooth loss, and serious infection. Instead, call Yardley Family Dental at 724-271-8087 to make an appointment so Dr. Halper can help.