Do you ever find yourself wincing from a sudden, sharp pain in your mouth? Do you hesitate to bite into hard candy in fear of the same kind of pain coming again? If so, you might have cracked tooth syndrome. It’s an uncomfortable and potentially serious dental issue, but knowledge is power; if you understand what causes this type of discomfort and how to treat it, then returning to enjoying all your favourite snacks won’t be a distant dream. In this blog post, we will explore everything there is to know about cracked tooth pain so you can go forth with newfound confidence!
What is a Cracked Tooth, and What Causes It?
A cracked or fractured tooth is a type of dental injury where the outermost layer of the tooth, known as the enamel, is damaged, exposing the underlying layers, such as the dentin and pulp. Cracks can vary in size, depth, and location and can be challenging to diagnose as they are not always visible to the naked eye.
Causes of Cracked Teeth
Causes of Cracked TeethVarious factors can cause cracked teeth. The most common causes are biting hard objects, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching. Dental trauma can also cause a cracked tooth, such as getting hit in the mouth, car accidents, or any accident that results in a sudden impact on the mouth or gum line.
Additionally, age and genetics can play a role in the development of cracked teeth. Teeth can become weakened over time due to previously filled cavities or just normal wear and tear, which could make them more susceptible to crack.
Types of Cracked Teeth
There are different types of cracked teeth, including craze lines, which are small surface cracks that do not cause pain and are typically not treated, as well as split teeth or vertical root fractures, which can cause severe pain and must be treated promptly. If you notice any cracks or discomfort, seek immediate dental care to prevent severe damage.
Common Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
This section will discuss the common symptoms of a cracked tooth, what causes it, and how it can be treated. Keep reading to find out more!
Pain when biting or chewing
One of the most common symptoms of a cracked or split tooth is pain when you bite or chew. Depending on the severity of the crack, the pain can range from mild to severe. The discomfort comes from the pressure placed on the crack when you chew. If you experience this symptom, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Sensitivity to hot or cold Another common sign of a cracked tooth is sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
This sensitivity can linger for a few seconds or even minutes after exposure to hot or cold drinks or food.
If you experience this symptom, you should avoid anything triggering it, such as cold or hot drinks, until you see your dentist.
Swollen gums
As a reaction to the crack, your gums, and blood vessels can become swollen and tender to the touch. This swelling can occur around the affected tooth or the whole gum line. If you notice this symptom, contact your dentist quickly, as it can often lead to further damage if not treated early.
Pain in the tooth
If you feel pain in the area of the cracked tooth when you’re not eating or drinking, you could have a cracked tooth. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp and intense throbbing. Pain with no evident cause can be a sign of severe tooth decay or damage from a cracked tooth.
Visible crack on the tooth
If you can see a visible crack or a chip in your tooth, you most likely have a cracked tooth. These cracks are usually minor and might not cause pain or symptoms, but they can still lead to trauma to the tooth. Seeing a dentist when you notice a visible crack or chip in your tooth can prevent further damage to the affected area.
Treatment Options for Cracked Tooth Pain
To help you find broken tooth pain relief, we’re sharing some treatment options that can ease your pain and promote healing. Read on to learn more.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple treatment option for a chipped or broken tooth. The bonding material, often a composite resin, is applied to the affected tooth and presented with a dental light. This process can correct minor chips and cracks, providing instant relief from pain.
Root Canal Therapy
You may need root canal treatment if your cracked tooth has damaged the pulp inside. This treatment involves extracting and replacing the damaged pulp with a filler material. Root canal therapy is quite effective at treating pain as it addresses the root cause of the issue.
Dental Crowns
For more severe cracks, dental crowns may be needed. These are protective caps that cover the entire tooth surface. Dental crowns can be made of different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can offer protection while restoring your tooth’s function and aesthetics.
Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is severely damaged, it may need to be extracted. While this may be the last resort, removing the cracked tooth can prevent further damage and pain. In cases where the tooth is causing a lot of pain or infection, it’s best to have it extracted to prevent further complications.
Pain Management
While you wait for your tooth cracks to be treated, you can try several pain management options to ease your discomfort. Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve pain temporarily. Applying a cold compress to the area can also help minimise swelling and pain.
How to Prevent Cracked Teeth
In this section, we’ll explore some tips on how to prevent cracked teeth and safeguard your teeth for a lifetime of wellness.
Bite Carefully
Bite CarefullyOur teeth can withstand a surprising force, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t immune to damage. Biting down on hard objects like ice, bones, and cherry pits can cause considerable damage to your teeth.
So, it’s essential to use your teeth for their intended purpose, which is to chew food.
Avoid using your teeth as tools, like biting nails or opening bottle caps. They aren’t designed for that!
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene can be a game-changer for a healthy and happy smile. Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day is essential. Regular dental appointments can ensure your teeth remain free of cavities, decay, and gum diseases. A healthy, low-sugar-based diet can also help you maintain good oral health.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you’re a sports enthusiast, invest in a well-fitted mouthguard. It can help protect your teeth from any unforeseen impact while playing high-intensity sports like football, basketball, and rugby. Mouthguards can be customised to suit your dental structure and prevent vertical root fractures, chips, and other dental damage.
Seek Treatment for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching, medically known as bruxism, can cause considerable damage to your teeth over time. You might have bruxism if you experience frequent headaches, earaches, and jaw pain and find yourself clenching your teeth. Speak to your dentist about treatment options like custom mouthguards, stress management, and other relaxation techniques.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Sudden temperature changes can cause tooth enamel to expand and contract quickly, leading to hairline cracks or tooth fractures. Drinking hot or cold beverages slowly can help. This will allow your enamel to gradually adjust to the temperature change, reducing the risk of sudden changes.
Conclusion
Cracked tooth pain can range from mild annoyance to severe and chronic pain, depending on the extent of the crack. If you experience any signs or symptoms of a cracked tooth, it is important to address them immediately with your dentist. Without proper attention creeping infection or advanced damage may arise. Our team at Total Care Dental Studio stands ready to help you with cracked tooth diagnosis, evaluate your dental history, and treat your cracked tooth pain so you can return to life as normal. Book an appointment today at (07) 3186 8517 and begin healing from cracked teeth pain with us soon. Making sure that your teeth remain strong and healthy is our top priority. We want you to be able to put your best smile forward!
References
Cracked Teeth – American Association of Endodontists
https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/#:~:text=Cracked%20teeth%20show%20a%20variety,tooth%20is%20causing%20the%20discomfort.
How to Stop a Toothache from a Broken Tooth
https://www.healthline.com/health/toothache-broken-tooth
