Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, so it is capable of putting up with quite a lot. However, although tough, your teeth can still crack and fracture in the same way as bones.

In this month’s blog the team at KentEndo look at how you could have a cracked tooth and not even know it.

What causes a cracked tooth?

There are a number of reasons a tooth may crack, including:

• Biting down on hard foods like ice, boiled sweets, and nuts
• Using your teeth as tools to open bottles or crack nuts open
• Stress that leads to jaw clenching or grinding (this may be done unconsciously)
• Chewing unevenly
• Loss of tooth structure due to wear or large fillings
• Exposure to temperature extremes (such as eating hot food and then immediately washing it down with an ice-cold glass of water)
• Brittleness of teeth following a root canal treatment

What are the signs of a cracked tooth?

Identifying a cracked tooth can be difficult, in most cases an x-ray is needed to determine the problem.

However, there are 5 warning signs of a cracked that you should be aware of:

Tooth pain when biting or chewing

Although you may not experience the pain every time you eat, this can be a good indicator of a cracked tooth. It may occur only when you eat certain foods or when you bite down in a certain way.

Sporadic Pain

Unlike cavities or abscesses, the pain associated with a cracked toot h tends to be intermittent. If you experience occasional dental discomfort, it is possible that you have a tooth fracture.

Increased sensitivity

Pain or sensitivity when consuming hot foods, cold liquids, sticky, sweet, or sour foods may indicate a cracked tooth.

Infection

In some instances, a cracked tooth may cause an infection in the gum line near the fracture. This infection may appear as a small bump on the gum close to the affected tooth.

No visible signs

In many cases, a cavity can be identified by signs of tooth decay. This may include a dark spot on the tooth’s surface or a hole caused by enamel erosion. Tooth pain without visible signs could indicate a cracked tooth.

How is a Cracked Tooth Treated?

Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the location and severity. Tiny cracks are common and typically do not even require any treatment. However, cracks that affect the cusp of a tooth may require a treatment procedure – possibly a crown.

Roughly 20% of cracked teeth require root canal treatment, and in some severe cases, the cracked tooth may need to be removed altogether.

Here at KentEndo the team work hard to ensure that you can keep your own teeth for as long as possible. At KentEndo, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment. If you have any concerns or queries do not hesitate to ask one of team on 01622 225555.