Are you experiencing sudden tooth pain that’s making it difficult for you to eat? Do you notice small cracks on your teeth but don’t know how they got there? Cracked teeth are a common dental issue that can cause significant discomfort and even lead to more severe oral problems if left untreated. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of cracked teeth and provide valuable tips on how to avoid them. So, buckle up and get ready to protect your pearly whites!
Introduction to Cracked Teeth
Your teeth are some of the hardest substances in your body. But that doesn’t mean they can’t crack. A cracked tooth can happen suddenly or over time, and it can range from a hairline fracture to a complete break. Cracks usually occur in the chewing surfaces of back teeth, but they can also occur on the front teeth or on the biting edges.
Causes Of Cracked Teeth
There are several causes of cracked teeth:
• Chewing hard foods: Hard foods like candy can cause your teeth to crack.
• Grinding your teeth: This is also called bruxism. People who grind their teeth at night often don’t know they’re doing it. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard.
• Clenching your jaw: This is similar to grinding your teeth, but it happens during the day. If you find yourself clenching your jaw, try to relax and unclench as often as possible.
• Dental procedures: Having a lot of dental work done in a short period of time can put stress on your teeth and make them more likely to crack. If you need multiple dental procedures, talk to your dentist about spreading them out over a longer period of time.
If you have a cracked tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away so they can determine the best course of treatment.
Diagnosis of Cracked Teeth
There are several ways to diagnose a cracked tooth.
- Visual Examination- If you can see a crack in the tooth, it is likely that the tooth is indeed cracked.
- Dental Explorer- Your dentist may also use a dental explorer to feel for any roughness or irregularities on the surface of the tooth, which may indicate a crack.
- X-Rays- Another way to diagnose a cracked tooth is through x-rays. X-rays can show even small cracks that may not be visible to the naked eye.
If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Cracked teeth can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated, so it is best to get them diagnosed and treated right away.
Treatment for Cracked Teeth
There are a few different ways to treat cracked teeth, depending on the severity of the crack. For small, superficial cracks, your dentist may simply smooth out the edges of the crack to prevent further damage. If the crack is more serious, your dentist may need to place a crown or veneer over the tooth to protect it from further damage. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary if the crack extends into the pulp of the tooth. If the tooth is severely damaged or cracked beyond repair, it may need to be extracted.
Prevention of Cracked Teeth
- Take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.
- Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
- Avoiding hard foods, sugary snacks, and gum can also help reduce your risk for cracked teeth.
- If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Conclusion
Cracked teeth can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, and it’s important to know what causes them so that you can take preventive measures. We’ve outlined the most common culprits behind cracked teeth, which include grinding your teeth or using your teeth to open packages, as well as the steps you should take in order to avoid this uncomfortable situation. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups will also help ensure that any problems with your oral health are taken care of before they become something more serious.
If you are looking to get your cracked teeth treated in Jacksonville , contact our dentist at Baymeadows Park Dental.