Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

Having a cracked tooth can be anywhere from annoying to practically debilitating. With that said, you may not even know if your tooth is cracked. A cracked tooth can cause pain that is similar to other oral health issues, and many people don’t know what signs to look out for to better determine if their tooth is cracked.

Below are some symptoms of a cracked tooth to look out for, along with the causes of a cracked tooth, treatment options, and more.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

When people think of cracked tooth symptoms, they often just think of a visible crack in the tooth. While this is an obvious symptom, it’s not always that easy to tell that a tooth is cracked. There are times when a tooth is cracked in a place that is difficult to see.

Here are some other symptoms you can look out for:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain in your tooth
  • Swelling
  • Pain when eating

Causes of a Cracked Tooth

There are a few common causes of a cracked tooth. Some of these include:

  • Bruxism (the clenching and grinding of teeth)
  • Injury
  • Biting into hard foods
  • Chewing on hard objects
  • Age

Is a Cracked Tooth Treatable?

Generally, a cracked tooth can be repaired. It cannot be fully “restored” (as the damaged part of the tooth won’t mend or grow back), but the damage can be addressed, and your tooth can be repaired in a way that provides the appearance of a natural tooth.

Some treatment options for a cracked tooth include:

  • Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a treatment option that involves the placement of a tooth-colored resin to repair minor cracks and damage.
  • Dental veneer: Dental veneers are more complex, and the placement of a veneer involves the reshaping of a tooth to place a strong, secure prosthetic.
  • Dental crown: A dental crown replaces a large portion or the entirety of a patient’s tooth—providing a durable and aesthetically appealing restoration.

Cracked Tooth Prevention

While a cracked tooth can’t always be prevented (i.e. accidents that cause trauma to the tooth), many times they can be.

One simple thing you can do to avoid a cracked tooth is to take proper care of your oral health. Brush twice a day, floss, and rinse. Also, set an appointment every six months for a proper, professional cleaning and checkup. During your checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and can catch a crack early (before it worsens).

Other things you can do to prevent a cracked tooth include:

  • Not chew on hard objects like pen caps, hard candy, and ice.
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing sports and a night guard at night if you suffer from bruxism.
  • Quit the use of tobacco products.

Contact Us

If you have a visibly cracked tooth or you believe your tooth is cracked, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll have an outstanding dentist take a look at your tooth, determine the reason for the discomfort you are experiencing, and put together a plan of action to address the problem.

Can Cracked Tooth Be Saved