Cracked Tooth Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Tooth pain can truly hurt. Sometimes, it’s hard to exactly pinpoint where in the mouth you are experiencing pain, and the pain may even come and go. Tooth pain may be a consequence of a cracked or fractured tooth. A cracked tooth can impact some or all the layers of teeth and can be associated with a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the fracture. This article will give complete information about symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention tips for Cracked Tooth Syndrome.

• 80% of patients over age 40 are affected by cracked teeth, according to research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association
• The occurrence of incomplete tooth fracture with remaining healthy dental pulp (the innermost layer of teeth) is nearly 10%, according to research published in the Journal of Endodontics.

What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome refers to a condition in which a crack of unknown severity has occurred in a tooth. The crack may be hard to identify on an X-ray or undetectable to the visual eye. The crack may extend throughout the outer layer of the teeth (dental enamel), the middle layer of the tooth (dentin), or pass all the way to the innermost layer of the tooth which contains the nerves and blood vessels (dental pulp). Factors that may contribute to cracked tooth syndrome include older age, consuming hard foods, large fillings, previous trauma to teeth, and teeth grinding for instance.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome Symptoms

Pain while Eating

You may experience pain while eating if your tooth is cracked. Chewing foods may trigger a painful response that typically lessens once you are done eating.

Sensitivity

Your teeth may feel sensitive, particularly to cold, hot, or sweet foods and beverages if you have a cracked tooth. You may feel a dull aching pain or a sharp burst of pain, depending on the extent of the fracture.

Sudden Pain

Cracked teeth commonly result in sudden pain rather than a constant tooth ache. The pain may come when chewing or exposed to sweet or extreme temperature foods and drinks but may also occur without any stimulus.

Swollen Gums

Cracked teeth may lead to gum swelling around the tooth that is cracked. The gums may appear inflamed and may be tender when pressure is applied. This can indicate tooth infection.

Unstable Tooth

A cracked tooth is weaker, which if untreated can lead to tooth mobility, further tooth fracture, spread of infection, or even tooth loss.

Constant Toothache

In some cases, a cracked tooth may lead you to experience a constant tooth pain. It may be hard for you to tell which tooth is causing you the pain.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

If a cracked tooth is left untreated, an infection may spread from the mouth to other locations in the body. You may notice swollen lymph nodes as a result, and immediate treatment is necessary to prevent additional health problems.

Causes of Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Age

Cracked tooth syndrome is typically more common in adults over the age of 50.

Harmful Oral Habits

Negative oral habits, such as chewing hard foods like ice or hard candy, or using your teeth as tools such as to open bottles or hard shells can lead to tooth fracture.

Enamel Erosion from Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by harmful oral bacteria that weaken tooth enamel. Weaker teeth are more susceptible to break down and fracture.

Biting Hard Foods

Chewing hard foods like nuts, hard bread, and popcorn kernels can lead to a cracked tooth, particularly for teeth that have fillings or other dental restorations.

Certain Fillings

Large fillings require a substantial amount of tooth enamel to be removed, which can weaken the support of the tooth and increase its risk of fracture.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth can cause additional pressure on the teeth that can result in cracked teeth.

Physical Injury

Traumatic injuries, such as a hit to the face, can lead to a cracked tooth.

Root Canal

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may be more susceptible to fracture, as the tooth is weaker than a natural tooth. Root canal procedures require the removal of the dental pulp to help remove infection and prolong the life of an injured tooth.

Sudden Changes in Temperature

Temperature extremes can increase stress on a tooth and lead to tooth fracture.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome Treatment

Dental Bonding

In less severe fracture cases, dental bonding procedures may help repair cracked teeth. Dental bonding is often a great treatment for fractures that have not impacted the dental pulp layer. Dental bonding commonly involves the use of a tooth-colored resin material that is attached to the surface of your tooth.

Cosmetic Contouring

Cosmetic contouring involves reshaping the teeth to improve its look after a small fracture. This procedure is typically fast and very simple. Your dental professional will use a drill or laser to remove and reshape a small amount of the dental enamel.

Inlays & Onlays

In cases where the extent of a crack is small and is located in-between the cusps of the tooth, inlays can be used to fix the damage. They are custom made to fit into the affected area. Onlays can be used for mild damage that is located on the cusps chewing surface of the tooth.

Dental Extraction

In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, dental extraction may be necessary. Your dental professional will remove the tooth and offer options for replacement, such as a dental bridge, denture, or implant.

Dental Implant

If the crack is severe, it may be recommended to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant. This is often the case for cracks that have extended to the tooth’s root. Dental implants are a great permanent option to replace missing teeth. The implant is placed into the jawbone which is attached to a natural-looking artificial tooth to help restore function and beauty to your smile.

Crown

Dental crowns are excellent restorations that can help restore a cracked tooth and protect it from additional damage. Crowns are caps that cover damaged teeth and resemble your natural teeth.

Root canal

If a crack has extended into the dental pulp, a root canal procedure is commonly necessary to remove dental infection and restore the tooth. Root canal treatment removes injured dental pulp and can prevent the crack from spreading.

Veneers

Veneers can help cover small crack lines to help improve the appearance of your teeth. These restorations are placed on the front surfaces of your teeth and are custom-made to resemble your natural teeth.

Preventing Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Regular Brushing And Flossing

Brushing and flossing daily is essential to preventing a whole host of health issues. Regular brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth strong and less susceptible to bacterial decay.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been proven to protect teeth against decay and strengthen tooth enamel. The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste containing fluoride to help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Rinse with Mouthwash Regularly

Mouthwash can help kill harmful oral bacteria, lowering your risk of oral infections and potential tooth breakdown. It is recommended to rinse with a fluoride and antibacterial mouth rinse at least once a day.

Cease Grinding Teeth

Teeth grinding increases the pressure applied on teeth, which can weaken the teeth and lead to tooth fracture. Teeth grinding is commonly caused by stress or anxiety but could be due to uncontrollable factors such as genetics. If you notice you are grinding your teeth, be sure to inform your dental professional.

Reduce Sugar Consumption

Sugar as we all know can be a tasty yet harmful treat. Excessive sugar can lead to tooth decay and fracture, as bacteria produce harmful acids from the sugars we consume.

Use Sports Mouthguard

If participating in any contact-related sports, or activities in which your mouth could be at risk for injury, it is recommended to use a mouthguard for protection. Mouthguards can help you avoid chipped or cracked teeth and save you from having to have additional dental procedures performed.

Avoid Biting Hard Objects

Biting into hard objects can result in tooth fracture. Eliminate habits like opening bottles and packages, or chewing ice and hard foods with your teeth, as this can weaken your teeth and cause them to break.

When to See a Dentist?

One of the best ways to ensure the health of your teeth is to visit the dentist. If you believe you have a cracked tooth, it is important to schedule a dental appointment immediately to prevent issues from becoming worse. Cracked teeth require immediate attention, and if left untreated can result in serious infection.

Conclusion

Cracked tooth syndrome can occur in anyone. Accidents happen, and cracked teeth may be a result of one. If you suspect your tooth is cracked, it is important to seek dental treatment immediately to prevent infection and increase the likelihood of saving your tooth. There are several ways to treat a fractured tooth, depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Although tooth fracture may not be entirely preventable, there are definitely ways to help lower your risk of experiencing this issue, such as regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, as well as avoiding teeth grinding, biting hard objects, using a sports mouthguard, and maintaining a healthy diet.