Cracked tooth syndrome is a condition which refers to, mostly, small hidden cracks in the teeth.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome is a condition which refers to, mostly, small hidden cracks in the teeth.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome can cause pain on chewing and sensitivity to temperatures, but without any visible reason.
This is because the crack (even though not visible) can expose your tooth nerve.
If you have a tooth with this dental condition, there’s a high chance the fracture may be below the gum line or too small to be seen on an x-ray.
Causes of Cracked Tooth Syndrome
There are several reasons why your tooth may crack. Some of the most common include:
- Natural wear and tear
- Habits such as grinding, clenching or chewing ice
- Extensive tooth decay
- Large dental fillings
- Isolated incidents such as biting into something hard or trauma to the mouth
Preventing Cracked Teeth
You can’t treat a crack in your tooth at home, but there are things you can do to prevent one!
Strong, healthy teeth are at less risk of cracking. So, it pays to maintain a good dental hygiene routine at home that consists of brushing and flossing. It’s also important to visit your dentist for routine check-ups for preventative dental care and early detection of any issues (like cracks) before they become big ones.
Avoid chewing on hard things, like ice and the end of pens and pencils, and be cautious when eating. If you’re involved in contact sports, be sure to wear a sports mouthguard when on the field. Similarly, if you suspect you grind your teeth at night, speak to our dentists about a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth in the night.
Treating a Cracked Tooth
A small crack in your tooth is easily treatable if caught early. If small enough, our dentists may treat it with a dental filling which can hold the tooth together, reducing the risk of further cracking. Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown as a suitable treatment option for you.
Left untreated, a small crack can put your tooth at risk of further and major damage. If the crack reaches your tooth’s chamber where its nerve is, this can result in the tooth becoming infected and needing a root canal treatment. In severe cases, your tooth can split in two. Usually, this will result in an extraction and the tooth needing replacing with a prosthetic tooth.
The treatment that is most suitable for you will depend on the extent, position and direction of the crack in your tooth. Many people have hairline cracks in their teeth enamel. If a crack doesn’t affect the appearance of your tooth or cause you pain, your dentist may recommend you leave it be.
The gentle dentists at our Stirling dental practice can conduct a thorough oral examination to help determine the right treatment path for you.
