WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE A CRACKED TOOTH !!

Have you ever bitten into something hard and felt a sharp twinge in your tooth? Ignoring a cracked tooth is easy when the pain isn’t constant or severe. But the risks of a cracked tooth can be manifold.

But did you know that leaving it untreated can lead to more than just dental discomfort? From infections to tooth loss, the risks of ignoring a cracked tooth go far beyond what you might expect.

Cracked teeth don’t just affect your smile—they can jeopardize your overall health. Bacteria can sneak through the tiniest cracks, causing infections that may spread beyond your mouth. 

How Do Cracked Teeth Happen? Common Causes You Should Know

Often, the causes seem harmless until you’re left dealing with discomfort or pain. Understanding these triggers is the first step toward prevention.

·       Chewing hard foods: Crunching on ice, popcorn kernels, fruit seeds or hard candies can create stress points on your teeth, leading to cracks.

·       Teeth grinding (bruxism): Constant grinding during sleep wears down enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to cracks.

·       Accidents or trauma: A fall, sports injury, or even a sudden blow to the face can result in a cracked tooth.

·       Weakened enamel: Age, acid erosion, or untreated cavities can weaken your enamel, making it easier for cracks to form.

·       Temperature extremes: Switching from very hot to freezing foods or drinks quickly can damage your teeth and cause cracks.

Signs and Symptoms

While you might be someone who has a small crack in your tooth and don’t even know it’s there, many people experience some degree of symptoms. This can include:

• Severe toothache when you bite down on something
• Extreme sensitivity to hot, cold, sugary, or salty foods
• Random shooting pain in one specific spot
• Swelling in the gums around the affected tooth

 Any of these issues should be checked out by a dentist as soon as possible to prevent complications or infection.

Treatment

Tooth restorations, Crowns, root canals and tooth extractions are few common treatment options.

Prevention is always better than treatment. Adopting a few habits can significantly reduce your risk of cracking a tooth.

·       Avoid hard foods: Skip chewing ice or hard candies to prevent stress on your teeth.

·       Use a mouth guard: Protect your teeth while sleeping if you grind or clench your jaw.

·       Regular check-ups: Routine visits help catch early signs of weakness or damage.

·       Maintain oral hygiene: Strong, healthy enamel is less likely to crack. Brush and floss daily.

·       Address dental concerns early: Don’t ignore cavities as they can lead to cracks.