Can You Fix a Cracked Tooth at Home? What Actually Works

If you've discovered a crack in your tooth, your first instinct might be to search for a natural fix. While the internet is full of supposed remedies—from oil pulling to remineralizing toothpaste—the truth about fixing a cracked tooth naturally is more complicated than most websites admit.

Here's what you need to know: You cannot repair a cracked tooth at home. Unlike bones, teeth cannot heal themselves. However, there are legitimate steps you can take to manage pain, prevent further damage, and protect your tooth until you can see a dentist.

Why Teeth Can't Heal Like Bones

When you break a bone, your body sends cells to rebuild it. Teeth don't work that way. The outer layer of your tooth (enamel) is made of minerals, not living cells. Once enamel cracks or chips, your body cannot regenerate it.

The inner layer (dentin) and the pulp do contain living tissue, but they can't repair structural damage to the tooth. This is why any crack—no matter how small—requires professional dental treatment to fix.

What "natural tooth repair" products actually do:

Remineralizing toothpaste can strengthen weakened enamel but cannot fill cracks

Calcium supplements support overall tooth health but don't repair damage

Oil pulling may reduce bacteria but has zero effect on structural damage

What You CAN Do at Home for a Cracked Tooth

While you can't fix the crack, you can take steps to manage symptoms and prevent the crack from getting worse:

1. Reduce pain and sensitivity

Take over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)

Apply clove oil to the area for temporary numbing (eugenol is a natural anesthetic)

Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks

2. Protect the tooth from further damage

Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

Don't eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods

If you grind your teeth at night, use an over-the-counter mouthguard temporarily

Don't use the tooth to bite into anything directly

3. Keep the area clean

Brush gently around the cracked tooth

Rinse with warm salt water after eating (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water)

This reduces bacteria and inflammation

4. Cover sharp edges

If a piece broke off and there's a sharp edge, dental wax or sugar-free gum can temporarily cover it to protect your tongue and cheeks

Home Remedies That Don't Work (and May Cause Harm)

Be wary of these commonly suggested "natural fixes":

Superglue or household adhesives
Never put glue in your mouth. These products are toxic and can cause chemical burns to your gums and soft tissues.

DIY filling kits
Over-the-counter filling materials are only meant for temporary use (days, not weeks) and can trap bacteria inside the tooth, making infection more likely.

Ignoring the crack
Hoping it will "heal on its own" allows the crack to deepen, bacteria to enter, and infection to develop. What could have been a simple filling becomes a root canal or extraction.

Aggressive brushing
Scrubbing the area hard won't clean the crack and may actually cause the crack to propagate further.

Types of Tooth Cracks and Their Treatments

The treatment your dentist recommends depends on the type and severity of the crack:

Craze lines (minor)
Tiny, surface-level cracks in the enamel only. Usually don't need treatment unless they're cosmetically bothersome.
*Treatment: Polish or veneer for cosmetics*

Fractured cusp
A piece of the chewing surface breaks off. Usually doesn't affect the pulp.
*Treatment: Crown or large filling ($150-$3,000)*

Cracked tooth
A crack extending from the chewing surface toward the root. May or may not reach the pulp.
*Treatment: Crown, possibly root canal ($800-$3,000)*

Split tooth
The crack has completely separated the tooth into segments. Usually cannot be saved intact.
*Treatment: Partial extraction or full extraction + implant ($150-$6,000)*

Vertical root fracture
Crack starts at the root and extends upward. Often not discovered until infection develops.
*Treatment: Usually extraction ($150-$500)*

When to See a Dentist Immediately

Some cracked teeth are dental emergencies. Seek care right away if you experience:

Severe pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relievers

Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums near the tooth

Fever (indicates possible infection)

Visible damage where a large piece has broken off

Bleeding that doesn't stop

Pus or bad taste (sign of abscess)

For a minor crack with mild or no symptoms, you should still see a dentist within a week or two. Cracks don't improve on their own—they only get worse.

Key Takeaways

The hard truth is that no home remedy can fix a cracked tooth. Enamel doesn't regenerate, and cracks don't heal. What you can do at home is manage pain, protect the tooth from further damage, and keep the area clean until you can see a dentist.

The sooner you get professional treatment, the more likely your tooth can be saved—and the less it will cost. A small crack treated with a filling today could become a root canal or extraction if you wait too long.

Don't let online myths about "natural tooth repair" delay necessary treatment. Your tooth is counting on you to get real help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?

No, cracked teeth cannot heal on their own. Unlike bones, tooth enamel is not living tissue and cannot regenerate. Once a tooth is cracked, it requires professional dental treatment to repair.

Is there a natural way to fix a cracked tooth?

There is no natural way to fix a cracked tooth. While some products claim to remineralize enamel, they cannot repair structural cracks. Only a dentist can properly treat a cracked tooth with fillings, crowns, or other restorations.

How long can you leave a cracked tooth untreated?

You should not leave a cracked tooth untreated. Even small cracks can worsen over time, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. What starts as a minor issue can become a dental emergency requiring extraction.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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