If you bite into a hard piece of candy and a dental crown falls off of one of your teeth, you may suddenly experience pain and discomfort if one of the nerves in your tooth is exposed. Take some measures to make yourself more comfortable until you are able to be seen by your dentist by following the tips that are listed below. 

Use Saltwater

Salt is a natural pain reliever and is also capable of reducing inflammation and preventing oral infections. Add a small amount of salt to a warm glass of water and stir the contents until the salt is no longer visible. Add a small amount of saltwater to your mouth and swish it around the affected area, in the same manner that you would use with mouthwash. The pain will begin to subside after the salty water touches the tooth that is causing you pain. 

Apply Dental Putty

Dental putty is a product that is sold by retailers worldwide and can be used to cover decayed or damaged portions of a tooth, providing instant pain relief. Purchase a kit that contains putty and an applicator. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to prevent germs from being spread to your mouth. Place an amount of putty in your hand that will cover the affected area. Roll it between your fingers until it is flexible. Use the applicator to place  the putty over the area where the crown previously was.

Flatten the putty with the tool until it is level with the rest of your teeth. Wait the recommended amount of time for the putty to harden. During the time that you wait, refrain from drinking or eating so that the putty does not become loose. Once the putty is hard, you will not feel pain and will be able to enjoy beverages and meals without any discomfort. 

Create A Compress With A Teabag

Black tea contains tannic acid, which is useful for reducing inflammation in the mouth and can provide temporary pain relief. Boil a tea bag in a pot of water for a few minutes. Turn off your stove and wait for the tea bag to cool down. Once the tea bag is warm, wrap it in a piece of gauze and place it over the tooth that is causing you discomfort. Gently clench your teeth together as you wait for the pain to subside. 

All of these methods will help you cope with the pain that you have been experiencing. They are all temporary solutions, so make an appointment with your dentist at your earliest convenience so that you can resolve the problem by having a new crown installed over the damaged tooth.

To learn more, contact a general dentist office like Pike Dentistry.