What is a cracked tooth?

A dental crack is a small fissure that appears in the tooth enamel. It is a superficial injury to the tooth which, if left untreated, can lead to other oral health problems. These cracks may be invisible to the naked eye and can cause sensitivity, sometimes leading to infection and even the loss of the tooth.

What causes cracked teeth?

When we find a small crack in a tooth, the first thing we think is “How did this get here?”. The truth is that cracks can appear for many reasons, but here are the most common ones:

• Chewing very hard foods
• Using your teeth or dentures as a tool. As a tin opener, for example.
• Having tooth decay that has not been treated in good time. A cavity is a hole, and the teeth knocking together around the cavity can cause this break.
• Having bruxism: this is the unconscious tightening of the chewing muscles. In other words, clenching or grinding your teeth. This can weaken the enamel and cause teeth to break.
• Ageing teeth: Teeth age and wear down over time, which makes them more prone to injury.
• Temperature: Very sudden changes in temperature can cause these cracks.

What are the symptoms of cracked teeth?

The most common symptoms are:

1. A sharp, intense pain that comes and goes. You may also feel pressure or a slight sense of discomfort.
2. Discomfort when chewing, biting or clenching your teeth. Increased sensitivity.
3. Swelling of the gums near the affected tooth.

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