A cracked tooth can cause problems. Like many other things, the sooner you fix a cracked tooth, the fewer problems you will have to deal with. The problem that many have is not realizing they have cracked a tooth until it is too late.
Many think that they will know when they have cracked a tooth. They think that the only way to do it is by getting hit in the mouth or by biting down on something that is hard. They think that they will always know when they have cracked a tooth, but this is not always the case.
Causes of a Cracked Tooth
Cracks can form in many ways. Some cracks are small and not very noticeable. Other cracks are obvious from the moment they happen. There are many different reasons that cracks can form in the teeth, such as:
- Grinding – People that grind their teeth can form cracks from the pressure caused by the grinding.
- Fillings – Fillings that are very large can cause the teeth to crack because they weaken the tooth.
- Temperature Changes – Abrupt temperature changes in the mouth can weaken the teeth and create cracks.
- Age – People over the age of 50 are susceptible to cracks.
If a person is aware of the things that can cause cracks, they can then turn to the signs of the cracks, such as:
- Pain – Pain can occur when chewing or biting down on a cracked tooth.
- Hot and Cold – A cracked tooth is sensitive to heat and cold and will react when exposed.
- Intermittent Pain – A cracked tooth will cause pain that comes and goes without a reason.
- Swelling – Swelling can occur around the cracked tooth.
If you or anyone you know shows signs of a cracked tooth or have concerns about a possible cracked tooth, the best thing to do is to contact our office. We can find the problem and come up with a solution that will help you keep your smile. Don’t wait too long to contact our office.