A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become broken.
Many things can cause teeth to crack, such as:
- Extreme tooth grinding, which can put the teeth under enormous pressure
- Chewing or biting on something hard: for example ice, boiled sweets, fruit stones or meat bones
- A blow to the chin or lower jaw
- Gum disease, if there has been bone loss. This could make the teeth more likely to suffer from root fractures
- Sudden changes in mouth temperature.
How can I tell if I have a cracked tooth?
The signs can be difficult to spot and the symptoms will vary. You may get pain from time to time when you are chewing, especially when you release the biting pressure. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort. Or you may be sensitive to sweetness, but with no signs of decay. A small area of the gum near the affected tooth may swell.
If the pain is severe, take pain relief like you would normally take for a headache. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medication.
Will I need to have treatment?
Yes. It is important to get advice as soon as possible to help the treatment be more effective. If they are not treated, cracked teeth can lead to the death of the nerve, and an abscess might grow. The tooth could need root canal treatment or even may be lost. In severe cases the tooth can actually split in two. If this happens your dentist will not be able to save the tooth and it will need to be taken out.
Will I lose my tooth?
In some cases the tooth may need to be taken out, but not always. So it is important to get advice as soon as possible.
After treatment for a cracked tooth, will my tooth completely heal?
Unlike broken bones, the crack in a tooth will never heal completely. After treatment, a crack may get worse and you could still lose the tooth. It is still important that you get treatment, because most cracked teeth can work normally for years after treatment. Our Dental Team will be able to tell you more about your particular problem and recommend a treatment.
Can I stop my teeth cracking?
Not altogether, but there are some precautions you can take:
Wear a bite-guard. If you grind your teeth at night, have a night-guard made to protect your teeth. If you play sports, wear a custom-made mouthguard.
Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects.