Learn More About Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Any time you experience any damage to your teeth, be it chipping or cracking, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately since it’s difficult to tell how serious the damage might be. Early diagnosis and treatment are always key for preserving and protecting oral health.

• Cavities.
  Chipped or cracked teeth could result from cavities, which weaken your tooth enamel and could be a setback in the strength and healthiness of your teeth.
  
  
• Biting into hard food.
  Biting an ice cube, crunching hard candy or popcorn kernels, and even gnawing on bones are all common causes of cracked and chipped teeth.
  
  
• Bruxism (teeth grinding).
  Over time, the constant pressure from bruxism (teeth grinding) may cause damage that could result in chipped or cracked teeth.
  
  
• Trauma.
  Chips and cracks in your teeth can be caused by a fall, sports injury, bike accident, or physical violence.
  
  
• Poor oral hygiene.
  Many of us unknowingly put our teeth at risk with poor oral hygiene habits. Without proper care, thin and weak enamel can leave you susceptible to chipping or cracking your teeth.
  
  
• Age.
  Chipped and cracked teeth can be a common age-related issue, especially for those over 50.

• Pain when chewing or biting.
  A chipped or cracked tooth can be painful, especially when chewing. Pain levels can range from mild to severe.
  
  
• Sensitivity to temperature and sweets.
  Cracked or chipped teeth can cause discomfort beyond their unsightly appearance. Cold and hot foods and sweets may trigger a mild throbbing or sharp nerve reaction due to increased sensitivity, depending on the severity of the crack. If you experience tooth pain, contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation.
  
  
• Intermittent pain.
  Even if there isn’t constant pain, a cracked or chipped tooth can still cause agonizing intermittent discomfort. In some cases, merely being exposed to air may trigger the sharp stab of an ache that persists until you get dental treatment. When chewing, even the slightest of cracks in your tooth enamel could create intermittent discomfort depending on how deep it is and if the sensitive inner pulp has been exposed.
  
  
• Swollen gums.
  A cracked tooth can lead to further dental problems, such as gum swelling, which may cause tenderness in the affected area. Not only is this incredibly uncomfortable, but it can also indicate that there is an infection inside the pulp tissue.
  
  
• Infection.
  A cracked or chipped tooth can cause more than just an aesthetic problem. It can also lead to a dangerous infection. If left unmanaged, this infection could spread and have serious implications on your gums and bone structure, as well as additional symptoms like fever, intensifying pain in the area of the crack or chip, swollen glands around the jawline, and bad breath. It’s important to seek professional dental help for any significant chip or fracture.
  
  
• Cuts in the mouth.
  Sharp edges from cracked or chipped teeth could easily cut your cheek, tongue, and gums, resulting in potentially painful wounds that could make it hard to talk and eat.

Chipping and cracking your teeth can be prevented. Keep them protected by wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports or avoiding biting or chewing hard foods like candy. Plus, good dental hygiene practices like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly are essential for healthy and resilient smiles.

A chipped or cracked tooth won’t heal on its own. Unlike our bones, which contain a wealth of blood vessels, enamels don’t have such an ability and require professional intervention to prevent further damage.