Cracked teeth can occur in several ways. External trauma, like a sports injury, can crack a tooth. Grinding your teeth or chewing on something hard can also lead to a crack in your tooth. Regardless of the cause, if your tooth becomes cracked contact our office right away. Quick evaluation and treatment are key to protecting you from further damage and to saving the tooth, if possible.
It may not be immediately obvious that a tooth has been cracked. While some cracks may be large and highly visible, others may be very small or thin and blend into surrounding tooth structure. Cracks may also be located on the back of a tooth or in the rear of your mouth where they are more difficult to spot. Some symptoms that could indicate a tooth crack include:
- Pain from heat or cold contact with a single tooth
- Pain while chewing on a single tooth, may be inconsistent
- Sharp or rough edge on a tooth felt by the tongue
- Sensation that a tooth or part of a tooth moves within the mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms or if you have a visibly cracked tooth, contact our office for an appointment. If you have any bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. You may use a cold compress or over-the-counter pain reliever if you are experiencing pain while you wait to be seen. Once we can examine the tooth, we will determine whether it can be saved and discuss your options and our recommendations for treatment.
To help prevent cracks, be sure you use a mouth guard when playing sports. Avoid chewing ice and other hard substances. If you clench or grind your teeth, contact our dentist to see whether a night guard may be helpful for relieving pressure on your teeth.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.