Having sharp or jagged tooth edges can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful, particularly when chewing, talking, or brushing your teeth. Sharp edges can occur after dental trauma, a broken tooth, or natural wear and tear. While its important to seek professional dental care to address the issue long-term, there are several ways to manage the discomfort temporarily. In this blog, we will guide you through ways to relieve pain and prevent further damage from sharp tooth edges until you can see your dentist.
Common Causes of Sharp Tooth Edges
Before exploring temporary relief methods, its helpful to understand why a tooth may develop sharp edges. Here are a few common causes:
1. Broken or Chipped Teeth
Accidents, falls, or biting into something hard can cause a tooth to break or chip, resulting in sharp edges that may irritate your mouth, gums, or tongue.
2. Tooth Decay
Advanced cavities can weaken the structure of a tooth, causing it to fracture and leave sharp, uneven edges.
3. Tooth Wear
Over time, natural wear from biting or grinding (bruxism) can lead to tooth edges becoming rough or sharp.
4. Dental Work
Sometimes, dental fillings, crowns, or other restorations may not be properly shaped, causing sharp edges that irritate the mouth.
Immediate Measures for Temporary Relief
If you have sharp tooth edges causing discomfort, there are several at-home remedies that can provide temporary relief until you can get professional treatment. Here are some steps to manage the discomfort:
1. Use Dental Wax
Dental wax is a common, temporary solution for sharp or jagged tooth edges. Its widely used to cover rough spots caused by braces, but it can also be used on broken or chipped teeth.
How to Use: Wash your hands and pinch a small piece of dental wax. Roll it into a small ball and flatten it slightly. Then, press the wax gently against the sharp edges of the tooth.
Tip: Be sure to remove the wax before eating or drinking, as food can get stuck in the wax, making it ineffective. You may also need to reapply the wax several times a day.
2. Over-the-Counter Temporary Filling Material
Temporary filling materials, such as those found in many dental emergency kits, can be used to cover sharp or broken tooth edges. These products are available at most pharmacies and are easy to apply.
How to Use: Clean your mouth thoroughly and dry the area where the sharp edge is causing discomfort. Follow the instructions on the product for application. The material will harden quickly and act as a barrier to prevent further irritation.
Tip: This is a short-term solution, so make sure to visit your dentist for a permanent fix.
3. Rinse with Saltwater
A saltwater rinse can help cleanse the area and soothe the pain caused by sharp tooth edges. It can also reduce inflammation and help prevent infection if the sharp edge has caused a cut in your gum or tongue.
How to Use: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the area with the sharp edges. Repeat several times a day, especially after eating.
Tip: Saltwater is a natural antibacterial agent and can help keep the area clean until you can see a dentist.
4. Apply a Cold Compress
If the sharp edges are causing pain or swelling in the mouth, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
How to Use: Wrap ice in a clean cloth or use a cold pack, and apply it to the outside of your cheek near the sharp tooth. Leave it on for 1015 minutes, taking breaks between applications.
Tip: The cold compress works best for pain caused by inflammation or swelling from trauma.
5. Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods
Until you can have the tooth properly treated, its important to avoid eating foods that can exacerbate the sharp edges. Hard or chewy foods can irritate the area and may even cause further damage to the tooth.
What to Avoid: Hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard candies, as well as chewy foods like taffy or caramel, can worsen the discomfort or even damage the tooth further.
Recommended Foods: Stick to softer foods that are easy to chew, like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, or scrambled eggs.
6. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If the pain from the sharp tooth edges is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help alleviate the discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the label, and make sure to consult with a healthcare provider if you are unsure of the proper dosage.
7. Cover the Sharp Edge with Sugar-Free Gum
In a pinch, you can use sugar-free chewing gum to temporarily cover a sharp tooth edge. This will create a cushion and prevent the sharp edge from irritating your cheek, gums, or tongue.
How to Use: Chew a small piece of sugar-free gum and press it gently onto the sharp edge of the tooth. This creates a temporary barrier and can provide relief until you can see a dentist.
Tip: Be sure not to swallow the gum, and remove it before eating or drinking.
When to See a Dentist
While the above methods can offer temporary relief, its crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage. A dentist will be able to:
Repair the Broken Tooth: Depending on the severity of the break, your dentist may recommend a filling, crown, or dental bonding to restore the tooths shape and functionality.
Smooth the Edges: If the sharp edges are caused by tooth wear, a dentist can smooth or file the edges to eliminate discomfort.
Fix or Replace a Restoration: If the sharp edges are caused by poorly fitted dental work, the dentist will fix or replace the filling, crown, or other restoration.
Delaying professional treatment can lead to further complications, such as tooth infection or additional damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. If the tooth has become infected, you may require more extensive treatment, such as a root canal.
Conclusion
Sharp tooth edges can be uncomfortable and painful, but with the right temporary measures, you can manage the discomfort until you can see your dentist. Using dental wax, temporary filling material, saltwater rinses, or cold compresses can provide immediate relief. However, its essential to get professional dental care as soon as possible to address the cause of the sharp edges and prevent further damage to the tooth. By taking these steps and seeing a dentist for a permanent fix, you can ensure your oral health and comfort are restored.