Many times a cracked tooth is an obvious issue within the mouth. However, there are times when having a cracked tooth is not as apparent as you would think. In fact, it commonly occurs where patients go in to the dentist’s office only to then learn that one of their teeth is cracked. A cracked tooth is a serious dental concern that never needs to be ignored. Very damaging consequences can occur to those who do not address the issue in a prompt manner.
It is often surprising to people how easily they can crack a tooth since tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, bad habits, not taking necessary precautions, and accidents can all lead to a cracked or damaged tooth. Many people crack their teeth by the very bad habit of chewing ice or hard candy. When pressure is put on a tooth in a specific manner or weakened area in the tooth by biting down on something hard, a crack can easily happen. Many people often crack their teeth during a recreational activity without the proper mouth guard or helmet. Accidents occur every single day during recreational sports, and if something goes wrong the mouth is a common place for injury. Other traumatic events like a car crash, a fall, or a blow to the face can also result in a cracked tooth. However, aside from these more obvious occurrences, there are still times when people may be unaware that a significant issue is going on inside their mouth.
- Any type of pain inside your mouth needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Tooth pain is a serious indicator that there is trouble, and ignoring the pain (either because you “don’t have time to deal with it” or because “it’s not that bad”) will only lead to more extensive damage. A cracked tooth commonly causes a sharp pain when chewing, and it can often be extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures inside the mouth.
- If there is a chance in the appearance of your tooth or teeth, it needs to be brought to your dentist’s attention. A dark line in the tooth, discoloration in a single tooth, chips, or transparency within a tooth are signs of damage. These types of dental cracks are often minor cracks and can be treated successfully when caught early on.
If you are worried that you have a cracked tooth, please contact Group Health Dental in New York, New York today. Our Manhattan dental practice is here to deliver a level of dentistry that you can rely on. We are committed to our patients’ care and comfort, and we are here to help you today.
