Do you have a cracked tooth?
When you bite down, you feel a sharp pain. It quickly disappears, and perhaps you ignore it. You avoid certain foods or chew only on one side of your mouth. Does this sound familiar? If so, you may have a cracked tooth.WHAT CAUSES A TOOTH TO CRACK?
- – chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts or hard candy;
- – an accident, such as a blow to the mouth;
- – grinding and clenching your teeth;
- – uneven chewing pressure;
- – stress on a tooth;
- – loss of a significant portion of tooth structure through wear, large fillings or other restorations;
- – exposure of tooth enamel to temperature extremes, such as eating hot food and then drinking ice water;
- – brittleness of teeth that have undergone endodontic (root canal) treatment.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A TOOTH IS CRACKED?
You can help your dentist determine which tooth is causing the problem by noting when and where you have sensitivity to heat or cold and to sweet, sour or sticky food, as well as approximately where the pain is when you are chewing.
WHY DOES A CRACKED TOOTH HURT?
Even though the crack may be microscopic, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. If the crack irritates the pulp, the tooth may become sensitive to temperature extremes. If the pulp becomes damaged or diseased as a result of the crack, root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.
HOW IS A CRACKED TOOTH TREATED?
Tiny cracks are common and usually do not cause problems. Regular dental checkups are important. They allow your dentist to diagnose and treat problems in the early stage. If you continue to have pain, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and call your dentist.
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