Different factors such as age, habits such as chewing ice, teeth grinding, and trauma can all cause a tooth to crack. Most people think that tooth fractures can only affect the outer layer of the tooth which is the enamel. However, a severe crack can affect the dentin, pulp, and even the root.
The crack can either be small and rather harmless or it can cause pain and even inflammation. If untreated, a cracked tooth can also lead to bad breath, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and even sore neck glands. Therefore, it is important to treat a cracked tooth immediately after it occurs.
Signs Of a Cracked Tooth
To prevent further complications which may result from a cracked tooth, such as bad breath, you need to visit a dentist as soon as you crack your tooth. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, here are a few signs to watch out for;
Increased Sensitivity
If you happen to experience a sharp pain when you drink or eat hot or cold foods and liquids, then you may have a cracked tooth. A cracked tooth will increase your sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food. That being said, the severity of the sensitivity will depend on whether the crack has affected the tooth's pulp.
Pain When Chewing
Pain when chewing food is usually one of the first signs that you may have a cracked or split tooth. The pain may be constant, or it can come and go. You may experience the pain when you bite down on food however, the pain levels also range from mild to severe.
Swelling Of the Gum
When you have a cracked tooth, the gum will swell around the tooth that has a crack. This swelling shows that the crack has caused injury to the pulp. If you do not visit the dentist to treat the crack, an infection may occur.
Tooth fractures are more common in children and older people. However, anyone can get a tooth crack. If you suspect you may have a cracked tooth, it is important to visit your dentist. Your dentist will assess the damage and come up with the best treatment plan for you.