Cracked teeth, known to dentists and dental professionals as cracked tooth syndrome, can be a frustrating, confusing, and sometimes painful condition of your dental health. Cracked teeth can also be scary and potentially painful. That’s why it’s important to seek out information to understand your condition and have the right questions ready for your doctor on your next dental visit. Below we’ve outlined some questions you may have about cracked teeth from symptoms to causes to types and more.
Cracked teeth can sound scary but if you catch it early, it may not be as serious as it seems.
On the other side, a cracked tooth too far gone cannot be repaired.
How do I know if my tooth is actually cracked?
While it seems like you’d notice a cracked tooth, it’s not always obvious. Just like bones throughout your body, not every fracture is obvious without a professional’s eye and even an x-ray. Symptoms of a cracked tooth can include pain, especially when chewing or otherwise putting pressure on the tooth or temperature extremes. You may also simply have oscillating pain that comes and goes without obvious stimulus. This form of pain can make locating the tooth difficult.
Is there always pain with a cracked tooth?
Having a break in your tooth does not necessarily guarantee pain every time. When you crack your tooth, you’ve broken the hard outer tissue and if it’s a bad enough crack or left unattended for long enough, it can begin to expose and irritate the pulp underneath. If this is allowed to continue, the pulp will become damaged to the point of pain from its inability to heal itself. You may also develop a secondary infection which can cause its own pain and unpleasant sensations.
What causes cracks in teeth?
If you play contact sports and have had a blunt force trauma to your mouth, teeth can crack as a result. More mundane ways of cracking teeth include excessive teeth grinding or clenching in your sleep, or if you’ve chewed on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy, or even if you have the habit of biting on your pens or pencils. Your overall physical health can also often determine how likely your teeth are to crack as a result of certain activities or stimuli.
Additional Questions
What are the different types of cracks in teeth?
Not all cracks in teeth are the same or of the same severity. Craze lines are shallow cracks in the enamel that are common in nearly every adult’s teeth and often are completely symptomless. A fractured cusp is a crack or weakening in the chewing surface which rarely results in pulp or root damage but can be painful. A fully cracked tooth is a fractured cusp that has moved closer to the root and may not be treatable while split teeth or vertical root fractures are among the most severe.
How do I prevent cracks in my teeth?
Where a mouth guard during physical activities and ask your dentist about a nighttime retainer if you’re prone to grinding your teeth at night. Avoid chewing on hard foods and be aware of any new pain in your teeth.
If you have questions or concerns about your dental health or think you may have a cracked tooth talk to your dentist today about your options and care tips.
If you are looking for a full-service dental office in the Commerce Twp area, Sedki Dentistry has everything your need. Dr. Sedki has more than 20 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry offering the latest in dental treatments and procedures. Our dental office addresses the needs of the entire family with compassion so that you know you are in good hands. Get a healthy mouth and bright smile for life and call for a Free Dental consultation today!