Waking up with a broken tooth with exposed nerve is one of the most painful dental emergencies imaginable. The pulp, which contains the tooth’s sensitive nerves and blood vessels, is suddenly exposed to air, temperature, and bacteria, leading to sharp, throbbing pain.
While no home remedy for broken tooth with exposed nerve can fix the tooth permanently—you must see a dentist immediately—there are several powerful, natural methods you can use to manage the excruciating pain and protect the exposed area until you get professional help.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. An exposed dental nerve is a serious emergency. Call your dentist immediately upon injury.
1. Immediate Steps to Take: Protection and Contact
Before reaching for any natural pain relievers, your first priority is to stabilize the situation, protect the vulnerable nerve, and schedule emergency care.
A. Call Your Dentist Immediately
A broken tooth with exposed nerve can quickly lead to infection, which may spread beyond the tooth itself.
- Emergency Contact: Call your dentist or an emergency dental clinic. Most practices keep slots open for urgent cases.
- Describe the Pain: Be clear that the nerve is exposed, as this signals a severe emergency requiring immediate attention, possibly a root canal or extraction.
B. Protect the Exposed Nerve
The key to temporary relief is shielding the nerve from external triggers (air, cold, food).
- Temporary Seal: If you have a dental repair kit (available at most pharmacies) or dental wax, use it to gently cover the exposed area.
- Sugar-Free Gum: As a last resort, soften a piece of sugar-free chewing gum (avoid mint flavor, which can sometimes irritate) and carefully press it over the broken surface to act as a temporary barrier.
- Rinse Gently: Immediately rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away any debris or broken fragments.
2. Natural Home Remedy for Broken Tooth with Exposed Nerve Pain Relief
The severe throbbing pain caused by an exposed nerve demands remedies with natural numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. These temporary solutions can help manage the pain while you wait for your appointment.
Remedy 1: The Power of Clove Oil (Eugenol)
Clove oil is arguably the most effective natural numbing agent available for dental pain, as it contains high levels of eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic.
- How to Use: Place one or two drops of clove oil onto a small cotton ball or cotton swab. Gently press the cotton ball directly onto the exposed area of the broken tooth for a few minutes.
- Caution: Do not swallow the oil, and avoid excessive contact with the surrounding gum tissue, as pure clove oil can cause irritation.
Remedy 2: The Saltwater Rinse
This simple, accessible remedy is essential for fighting infection and reducing inflammation.
- How to Use: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm water. Swish the solution gently around your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the painful area, then spit it out.
- Benefit: The saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to clear bacteria and reduce the swelling around the irritated gum.
Remedy 3: Cold Compress for Inflammation
An exposed nerve often causes localized swelling and throbbing pain. Applying cold helps to constrict blood vessels, numbing the area and reducing inflammation.
- How to Use: Wrap a small bag of ice or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel. Apply the compress to the outside of your cheek (not directly on the tooth) near the affected area for 15-minute intervals.
3. Temporary Broken Tooth Pain Management Until Dentist
In addition to natural remedies, effective pain management often requires combining home treatments with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and smart behavioral changes.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
- Anti-Inflammatories: Medications like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) are generally the most effective because they target both pain and inflammation. Follow dosage instructions strictly.
- Numbing Gels: OTC gels containing Benzocaine (like Orajel) can provide quick, short-term numbing relief when applied directly to the exposed nerve and surrounding gum.
Lifestyle and Avoidance Strategies
To prevent the pain from flaring up, you must strictly control what touches the broken tooth.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not consume hot coffee, tea, cold water, or ice cream. Extreme temperatures are the biggest triggers for an exposed nerve.
- Stick to Soft Foods: Eat only soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of sugary, acidic, or hard foods. Sugar feeds bacteria and acidic foods (like citrus) can severely irritate the exposed nerve.
- Elevate Your Head: When sleeping, use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated. This reduces blood pressure in the area, often lessening the throbbing pain.
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Professional Care
While these natural remedies for tooth nerve pain offer vital temporary relief, they are only bridge treatments. A broken tooth with an exposed nerve is a severe structural injury that is highly susceptible to bacterial infection and abscess.
Do not attempt to permanently fix or treat the nerve yourself. Only a dental professional can properly clean the area, determine the extent of the damage (pulp cap, root canal, or extraction), and restore the tooth safely. Use the tips above to manage the pain and focus on getting to your dentist as quickly as possible.
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