Signs You May Have A Cracked Tooth

By Jaklin Bezik, DDS, MDS

Metro Dental Health

. http://metrodentalhealth.com/

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Signs You May Have A Cracked Tooth

Having a cracked tooth may seem like something you would notice immediately. However, that's not always the case. In fact, many patients don't even realize they have a problem until they see the dentist.

A cracked tooth is a serious issue that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Cracked teeth make it easier for the root of the tooth to be exposed to bacteria, which can cause an infection.

Symptoms you may have a cracked tooth

Pain

A cracked tooth can cause sharp or dull pain when you're chewing or drinking. You will particularly notice the pain when you're eating harder foods like granola, nuts, or chewy candy. You might also have pain when you're drinking liquids that are hot or cold.

Cosmetic Signs

Some cracks won't be visible to the naked eye and require an x-ray. However, some of the cosmetic signs of a cracked tooth are

A dark line in your tooth

Discoloration in a single tooth

Visible chipping or transparency in a tooth

If you see any of the issues above, schedule a dental appointment.

How Dentists Treat Cracked Teeth

Depending on the severity of the damage, cracked teeth can be restored with a filling, veneer, or a dental crown. In some instances, it may require root canal therapy. If the tooth has been split, then it may need to be extracted. However, if you're able to have the crack treated early, the tooth can be saved in most cases.

How To Prevent Cracked Teeth

Your teeth are protected by a hard out layer called enamel. Subjecting your enamel to damage and trauma can cause it to wear down and make your teeth more susceptible to being cracked. Some tips to help protect your teeth and keep them from cracking are

Avoid eating a lot of hard foods (hard candy, ice)

Be cautious when eating fruit to avoid biting down on pits

Wear protective mouth guards when playing contact sports

If you grind your teeth (bruxism) talk to your dentist about an occlusal guard

Don't use your teeth as tools for opening packages or breaking things

Cracking your teeth is entirely avoidable. Just make sure you're taking proper care of them and using them for their intended purpose eating.

Worried that you may have a cracked tooth? Then now is the time to schedule a dental visit.