A cracked tooth can bring sharp pain, constant sensitivity, and plenty of worry. Whether it’s a small surface crack or a deeper fracture, many people search for natural ways to relieve the discomfort before seeing a dentist. While no home remedy can permanently “seal” or fully repair a cracked tooth, natural methods can reduce pain, protect against infection, and buy you valuable time until professional treatment is available.
This guide covers how to fix a cracked tooth naturally, what remedies work best, and when it’s time to seek emergency dental care.
What Does a Cracked Tooth Mean?
A cracked tooth occurs when the enamel or deeper tooth layers break due to injury, decay, or wear. The severity of cracks varies:
| Type of Crack | Description | Severity |
| Craze Lines | Tiny surface cracks in enamel | Minor, cosmetic only |
| Fractured Cusp | Break near filling or crown | Mild to moderate |
| Cracked Tooth | Extends toward gum line but not split | Serious |
| Split Tooth | Tooth separates into segments | Severe, often extraction needed |
| Vertical Root Fracture | Crack starts at root and spreads upward | Severe, hidden and painful |
Small cracks may cause sensitivity, while larger ones can expose dentin or nerves, leading to sharp pain when chewing.
Common Causes of Tooth Cracks
Understanding the cause helps you prevent further damage. Cracks often result from:
- Biting hard foods like ice, nuts, or candy
- Teeth grinding (bruxism), often at night
- Sudden trauma from sports or accidents
- Temperature extremes, such as eating hot soup then drinking ice water
- Weakened teeth from large fillings, root canals, or cavities
- Aging, since enamel thins over time
Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally?
Yes we can fix a cracked tooth naturally, Let’s clear up a common misconception: natural remedies can’t physically glue a tooth back together. Once the enamel or dentin cracks, only a dentist can restore it permanently with bonding, crowns, or other procedures.
However, natural methods help in three key ways:
- Pain relief – soothing nerve irritation.
- Reducing inflammation – calming swelling around gums.
- Preventing infection – keeping bacteria out of the crack.
Think of it like a cracked windshield. You can cover it to stop water and dirt from getting in, but the glass still needs a professional fix.
Natural Remedies for a Cracked Tooth
1. Saltwater Rinse
Salt acts as a natural disinfectant. Rinsing reduces bacteria and soothes inflamed gums.
- Mix ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water
- Swish for 30 seconds, then spit out
- Repeat 2–3 times daily
2. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural painkiller and antiseptic.
- Dab a few drops on a cotton ball
- Place gently on the cracked tooth for relief
- Use sparingly, as too much may irritate gums
3. Garlic Paste
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight infection.
- Crush a garlic clove into a paste
- Apply directly to the affected tooth
- Rinse after a few minutes to avoid lingering odor
4. Cold Compress
A cracked tooth often comes with swelling. Applying an ice pack reduces pain and inflammation.
- Wrap ice in a thin cloth
- Hold against cheek near cracked tooth for 10–15 minutes
- Repeat every few hours as needed
5. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric contains curcumin, known for anti-inflammatory and healing effects.
- Mix turmeric with water to form a paste
- Apply on tooth or gum around crack
- Let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing
6. Green Tea Rinse
Green tea has natural polyphenols that reduce bacteria and soothe oral tissues.
- Brew strong green tea, cool it down
- Use as a mouth rinse twice daily
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera isn’t just for skin it calms gum irritation.
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to gums around cracked tooth
- Rinse after a few minutes
8. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse (Diluted)
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria but must be diluted to avoid irritation.
- Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal water
- Swish for 30 seconds, don’t swallow
- Use once daily for a short period
Foods to Eat and Avoid With a Cracked Tooth
Eating habits play a huge role in managing cracked teeth.
Eat soft, nutrient rich foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soups and broths
- Scrambled eggs
- Steamed vegetables
Avoid foods that worsen cracks:
- Hard nuts or seeds
- Sticky candies
- Ice cubes
- Popcorn kernels
- Extremely hot or cold items
| Recommended | Avoid |
| Soft fruits like bananas | Hard candies |
| Smoothies | Ice chewing |
| Oatmeal | Popcorn kernels |
| Steamed fish | Crunchy chips |
Protective Home Practices
Natural remedies help, but protective habits matter too:
- Chew on the opposite side of the crack
- Avoid grinding teeth – consider a night guard
- Keep good oral hygiene to prevent infection
- Stay hydrated to maintain saliva flow
- Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax temporarily
Prevention Tips: Stop Cracks Before They Happen
- Don’t bite pens, ice, or hard candy
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
- Fix cavities early before they weaken enamel
- Manage stress to reduce teeth grinding
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups
Case Studies and Real-Life Experiences
Case Study 1: Minor Crack Relief
Anna, 32, noticed sensitivity after biting into hard candy. She rinsed with saltwater and applied clove oil for temporary relief. At the dentist, she needed only a small bonding procedure.
Case Study 2: Severe Crack Ignored
James, 45, ignored pain from a cracked molar, relying only on garlic paste and painkillers. Within weeks, infection spread, requiring a root canal. His story shows why natural fixes are short-term solutions, not permanent cures.
When to See a Dentist Immediately
Seek urgent dental care if you notice:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Tooth pieces separating
- Swelling or pus near gums
- Fever or signs of infection
- Tooth discoloration (gray or black)
Remember: natural remedies buy you time, not permanent healing.
FAQs Releted to Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally
Q1: Can a cracked tooth heal naturally on its own?
No. Teeth can’t regenerate enamel or dentin. Natural remedies only manage pain and infection.
Q2: How long can I rely on natural remedies before seeing a dentist?
Only for a few days. Cracks worsen quickly if untreated. Always book an appointment as soon as possible.
Q3: Is clove oil safe for kids with a cracked tooth?
Use sparingly and consult a dentist first. Too much clove oil can irritate children’s gums.
Q4: Can coconut oil pulling help a cracked tooth?
Oil pulling may reduce bacteria but won’t fix the crack. It’s supportive, not curative.
Q5: Which natural remedy works best for pain?
Clove oil provides fast pain relief, while saltwater rinse helps control bacteria and swelling.
Q6: Can diet speed up cracked tooth healing?
A soft, nutrient-rich diet supports gum health but won’t repair cracks.