A cracked tooth occurs when a fracture develops in the tooth enamel and possibly extends into the dentin or pulp. This can result in symptoms like pain or discomfort when chewing, sensitivity to temperature changes, or even a sharp pain that comes and goes [1]. 

While some may hope that a cracked tooth might heal naturally, understanding the nature of cracked teeth is crucial in determining the best course of action to maintain oral health.

Types of Tooth Cracks

There are several different types of tooth cracks, including:

• Craze lines. These are superficial cracks in the tooth’s enamel that are often shallow and do not cause pain, and often do not require treatment [2].
• Fractured cusp. Occurs when the pointed part of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks off, and it usually does not harm the pulp.
• Cracked tooth. This type of crack usually extends from the chewing surface toward the root, potentially affecting the pulp.
• Split tooth. This is when a crack has created two distinct segments of the tooth.
• Vertical root fracture. Begins at the root and moves upwards, often causing severe damage.

Since tooth enamel does not regrow, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Regardless of whether you have a fractured cusp or a split tooth, treatment is necessary.

Consequences of Untreated Cracked Teeth

Neglecting a cracked tooth can lead to several complications. The crack can enlarge over time, leading to increased pain, infection, or even loss of the tooth. For deeper cracks, if the pulp becomes infected, it may require more intensive treatment such as root canal therapy.

Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth requires professional intervention to prevent tooth infection, decay, and tooth loss. The type of treatment varies based on the severity and type of crack:

• Dental bonding. Minor cracks can often be repaired with a tooth-colored composite resin, similar to that used in fillings [3].
• Dental crowns. For more substantial cracks, a crown might be used to provide strength and protection to the tooth.
• Root canal therapy. If a crack affects the pulp, a root canal might be necessary to remove infected tissue and save the tooth.
• Extraction. In cases where the tooth is severely cracked and cannot be saved, extraction might be the only viable option.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?

If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth or are experiencing any discomfort, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent further complications and help maintain optimal oral health. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.

Sources:

1. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8694987/
3. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)64128-3/fulltext 

The post Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

As such, it can be difficult to tell if a cracked or chipped tooth is a true dental emergency. While some dental issues can wait for a regular appointment, others might need immediate attention.

Understanding when a cracked or chipped tooth constitutes a dental emergency can help you take the proper steps to protect your oral health.

Assessing the Severity of the Damage

The first step in determining whether your cracked or chipped tooth is a dental emergency involves assessing the severity of the damage.

A minor chip might only require cosmetic repair, while a more significant break could expose the inner layers of the tooth, which can cause pain and bleeding, requiring more immediate care [1].

How can you tell if your tooth needs emergency attention?

When a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Is an Emergency

• The tooth is visibly cracked into pieces or has a substantial chunk missing, exposing the sensitive dentin or pulp [2].
• You have severe pain, heightened sensitivity to temperature, and discomfort when biting down.

If you observe these symptoms, call your dentist right away. Ignoring a significant break or crack can lead to complications such as infections, which can further damage the tooth and surrounding tissues.

When a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Can Wait

A minor crack or chip may not be a dental emergency. These include cases where the chip may be just a tiny piece missing from the tooth, or a crack may not be noticeable at all. In these cases, you may experience very little or no pain.

While it’s still crucial to have these injuries evaluated by a dentist, they usually don’t require immediate attention and can wait for a regularly scheduled dental visit. However, if your injury gets worse or you experience severe pain, sensitivity, or bleeding, contact your dentist right away [3].

What to Do Next

If the crack or chip seems to be an emergency, there are steps you can take to protect your tooth while seeking professional care:

• Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to rinse the area gently, keeping it clean and reducing the risk of infection.

• Control bleeding. If there is bleeding, gently press a piece of gauze to the affected area.

• Manage pain. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, but avoid aspirin if there is bleeding, as it can exacerbate the issue.

• Protect the tooth. If possible, cover a sharp or jagged edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent injury to your tongue or cheeks.

Seeking Professional Care

After assessing the damage and managing immediate symptoms, the next step is to contact your dentist. Even minor chips and cracks can lead to complications over time, and only a dental professional can provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to ensure proper care.

Contact Your Dentist Today

Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to consult with a dentist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse—get in touch with your dentist to ensure your cracked or chipped tooth receives the attention it needs. Your prompt action can make all the difference in preserving your smile and oral health!

Sources:

1. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-practice-resources/ada_covid19_dental_emergency_dds.pdf
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth
3. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/ 

The post How to Determine if a Cracked or Chipped Tooth is a Dental Emergency appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A dental emergency isn’t always the same for every person. However, there are certain situations in which you’re better off seeking help from a dentist as soon as you can. While you can go the emergency room if your dentist isn’t available, it’s always best to try and see a dentist for injuries or conditions specifically relating to the oral cavity.

So what exactly is considered a dental emergency? Here are a few conditions that you shouldn’t wait to seek help for.

Severe Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding

If you have sudden or severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s time to call your dentist. Pain could be a symptom of a wide range of conditions, from knocked-out or cracked teeth to a life- threatening infection.

Any pain, swelling, or bleeding that’s uncontrollable needs to be evaluated by your oral healthcare professional as soon as possible. While some people who have dental health issues may not experience symptoms, others will.

For example, for some patients, a cracked tooth may not be a dental emergency if the crack is small, but for others, a major crack can be very painful and require immediate attention [1].

Always pay attention to your symptoms and listen to what your body needs!

Trauma to the Oral Cavity

Trauma to your oral cavity can take many forms. You may have been in a car accident and have a broken jaw, or sustained another type of injury that’s affected your facial bones or even your airway.

Any acute trauma to the oral cavity is generally considered a dental emergency [2]. Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, and many other types of situations could affect your jaw, teeth, or gums, leading to the need for immediate professional attention.

Post-Surgery Complications

If you’ve recently had a dental procedure—whether an extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or dental implant placement—and are experiencing adverse symptoms, you may need to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a post-surgery complication or infection that you should never ignore include:

• Swelling at the procedure site
•  Unexplained bleeding
• Loose or missing stitches
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Uncontrollable pain

These could all be signs that your mouth isn’t healing as it should be and may even have an infection [3]. If you’re not sure whether a symptom you’re experiencing is normal, never hesitate to reach out to your dentist to ask!

Broken Orthodontia

If you or your child has metal braces, any type of injury or accident involving your oral cavity could be dangerous. If metal braces are damaged or begin to come apart for any reason, the wire could puncture your soft tissues and require a prompt repair.

While some broken or damaged orthodontia can wait until the next available appointment, other cases are considered an emergency. Never wait to get your braces evaluated if you’re experiencing severe pain or bleeding!

Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out to Your Dentist!

Most dentists offer emergency care and will do their best to accommodate you in the event of a dental emergency. Always reach out to your dentist first before going to the emergency room to ask if they can see you or if you have any questions about a potential dental emergency!

Sources:

1. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/you-asked-what-qualifies-as-a-dental-emergency/
2. https://success.ada.org/~/media/CPS/Files/Open%20Files/ADA_COVID19_Dental_Emer
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071467/

The post What Exactly Is Considered a Dental Emergency? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Extensive Tooth Decay

The most common cause of a painful toothache is extensive tooth decay [1]. What this means is that you may have a cavity that’s gotten deep enough to cause discomfort or even an infection. You may or may not be able to see the cavity simply by examining your teeth in the mirror.

For many patients, tooth decay won’t cause symptoms until the cavity has progressed to the point that the nerve tissue becomes involved and potentially infected. Once this happens, you’ll likely need root canal therapy to save your tooth.

Damage to Dental Restorations

Another potential cause of your uncomfortable toothache could be damage to a dental restoration you’ve had done. Think a filling, crown, or dental bridge. You may have caused damage to your filling by eating a hard or sticky food, or your filling could have naturally deteriorated over time (remember, no restoration lasts forever!).

If your dental restoration is causing your tooth pain, your dentist will simply need to repair the affected tooth with a new restoration for you to begin feeling better!

A Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth aren’t always obvious when they happen. For some, the pain and sensation of injuring a tooth to the point that it fractures will be obvious. For others, the crack won’t become apparent until pain or discomfort appears down the road.

One common symptom of a cracked tooth is pain that comes and goes when eating hot or cold foods [2]. If a cracked tooth is left untreated for long enough, it could affect the nerves of the teeth and require root canal therapy to fix.

Other Potential Causes of Tooth Pain

There are other causes of tooth pain, including a bruised tooth, which can happen when biting down on hard foods or another injury. A bruised tooth happens when the connective tissue that helps hold your tooth in place is essentially bruised and becomes inflamed due to injury.

Some people could also experience aching teeth from a sinus infection, teeth grinding, or an impacted wisdom tooth [3]. The only way to identify the root cause of your toothache is by visiting your dentist for a professional exam.

Don’t Ignore a Toothache!

Toothaches rarely go away on their own. Typically, whatever is causing the toothache will continue to get worse until it’s treated. By visiting your local dentist, you can help uncover the cause and receive treatment before it’s too late to save your tooth!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003067.htm
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
3. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tooth

The post Top Causes for a Painful Toothache appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although picking up a mouthguard next time you’re at the store might seem tempting, going with a custom mouthguard will offer your child the full amount of protection they need to prevent dental emergencies with their smile. Here’s why you should never neglect to get a custom mouthguard for your student athlete!

Why Custom Mouthguards Are Better

Custom mouthguards are made to fit your child’s unique smile. Store-bought mouthguards offer a very minimal level of protection, as they’re not made to fully protect each and every one of your child’s teeth or their gum tissue.

Store-bought mouthguards tend to be too large and bulky, which can inhibit your child’s breathing during sports and may even discourage them from wearing the mouthguard. With customized mouthguards, you give your child their best chance to minimize an accident or damaged teeth or gums.

In fact, some tentative research even shows that custom mouthguards may help reduce the rate and severity of concussions in sports, as they help absorb the impact from a hit or fall [1]. Personalize Your Protection

Your student athlete should be required to wear a mouthguard, but may not want to wear one, especially if you have an over-the-counter mouthguard that’s uncomfortable and doesn’t quite fit.

When you opt for a custom mouthguard, your dentist will take impressions of your child’s teeth to create an exact fit with their new mouthguard. Some dentists offer even more
personalization for your child’s mouthguard, allowing them to choose colors, designs, and logos to print onto the mouthguard.

These fun and unique design features can increase the chances that your child will wear the mouthguard during their favorite sport!

Where to Find a Custom Mouthguard

Most dental practices offer services to make a custom mouthguard for your child’s smile. You can ask your local dentist about their custom mouthguard solutions to fully protect your student’s smile from accidents or injuries during sports.

Custom mouthguards are considered to be superior forms of protection when it comes to protecting oral health and jaw injuries [2]. To help your teen or child prevent dental emergencies that could include a knocked-out tooth, loose teeth, cut gums, or chipped or fractured teeth, go custom!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_69.ashx
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2987604/

The post Don’t Forget a Custom Mouthguard for Your Student Athlete appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If left untreated, cracked teeth can lead to decay or an infection that can compromise the health of your entire tooth. If your dentist finds that your tooth has indeed been cracked, what are your best options to repair it and get your smile back to normal?

Dental Bonding

For cracks that are minor, dental bonding can help restore teeth. Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored composite resin—the same material used for many modern fillings—to fill in small cracks and protect teeth from further damage.

Dental bonding is a simple and minimally-invasive treatment option; however, your dentist may not recommend dental bonding if the crack in your tooth is more severe.

Fillings

In some cases, cracked teeth can also be repaired with fillings, similarly to cavities. Cusps, or points, on the teeth—of which canine teeth only have one while molars will have several—can be fractured or completely broken off. In cases such as these, dental fillings can be ideal for repairing fractured cusps and restoring your tooth [1].

Root Canal Therapy

If you have a tooth that’s been deeply cracked—such as a tooth with a crack that extends below the gumline—your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. Teeth with cracks such as these—commonly the lower molars—can benefit from root canal therapy [2]. A cracked tooth may be at risk for infection or already be infected, in which case, root canal therapy will offer you your best chance to save your tooth and avoid an extraction.

Dental Crowns

For patients that have a severely fractured tooth cusp or for those that have received root canal therapy, your dentist may utilize a dental crown to protect your tooth’s structure. Dental crowns have been shown to reduce symptoms of cracked teeth and help protect them from future cracks and other damage [3].

Dental crowns are either made from porcelain ceramic or acrylic resin and will act as a type of cap that covers your natural tooth and provides additional protection. Dental crowns are durable and match your natural teeth, making them useful for a variety of cracked tooth cases.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?

Symptoms of a cracked tooth could include pain, tooth sensitivity, or swelling around the affected area. If you suspect your tooth has sustained an injury, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your local dentist to evaluate your smile and get a potential repair!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26944835
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1918671

The post Your Best Options for Repairing a Cracked Tooth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sustaining a tooth injury has the potential to create different types of cracks in your tooth.
Since fractured teeth can lead to tooth loss, you shouldn’t delay getting treatment from your dentist. How do you know if you have a cracked tooth and how can you treat it?

How to Tell If Your Tooth Is Cracked

A cracked tooth may not be obvious even if you do have an accident that affects your smile.

However, the pain may manifest itself through tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing or biting your food. For others, a cracked tooth may be asymptomatic depending on the location and severity of the crack.

There are numerous diagnostic methods your dentist may use to tell if you have a cracked
tooth, including an oral exam or a radiograph [1]. Even if you’re not aware of a tooth injury, your dentist may be able to tell if you have a cracked tooth during your regular dental exam as well.

How to Treat a Fractured Tooth

Treatment for your cracked tooth will depend on the location of the crack and how severe it is.

For instance, you may have fractured the biting surface of your tooth, which typically doesn’t cause damage to the inside of the tooth where nerve tissue lies. However, your dentist may still need to place a filling or a crown over the tooth to keep it safe from bacteria and decay and prevent future damage [2].

If the crack extends below the gumline and all the way to the tooth’s root, it’s likely that you’ll need root canal therapy to save your tooth and stop the crack from spreading even more. If you have a split tooth that completely separates the tooth into two or more pieces, an extraction may be your only treatment option.

If you’ve just recently cracked a tooth and have a piece that may have separated from the
intact tooth, be sure to save the tooth fragment in a container with saliva or milk and see your dentist as soon as possible [3].

Preventing Damage to Your Smile

Preventing cracked teeth is as easy as not misusing your smile for things like cracking nuts, chewing on ice, or opening packages. Cracked teeth can also be caused by teeth grinding, so if you wake up with headaches, an aching jaw, or sore teeth, it’s time to see your dentist.

Of course, accidents do happen and can cause tooth fractures that negatively impact your smile. Regardless of what’s caused your cracked tooth, getting prompt treatment from your dentist can help restore your tooth and prevent the need for additional treatment.

While having a cracked tooth isn’t the end of the world, it will require professional treatment from your dentist. If you’ve experienced a recent tooth injury or have an old injury that’s causing you discomfort, contact your dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467890/
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590084/

The post Detecting and Treating a Cracked Tooth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

In fact, it’s easier than you think to chip or crack a tooth. While injuries such as these can
happen for a variety of reasons to teeth, some of the most common reasons people chip their
teeth is because of food!

If you’re not careful, some of these top foods can easily chip or fracture your tooth. Which
foods are most likely to hurt your smile?

Uncooked Popcorn

Although popcorn in and of itself isn’t an issue, uncooked popcorn kernels can quickly chip or
fracture a tooth. Often, uncooked kernels get mixed in with cooked popcorn and are therefore
likely to get eaten along with popped popcorn.

It’s imperative to never chew on uncooked or partially cooked popcorn kernels, whether by
accident or because the popcorn bowl is empty and you want to continue to munch!

Ice Cubes

Many people find chewing on ice to be a practice they enjoy, but unfortunately, it’s also one
that can crack or chip your teeth.

When it comes to ice, it’s best to leave this hard cold substance in your glass and let it cool your
drink, not damage your smile!

Candy

Hard candy is a favorite for many people to suck on. However, this hard food doesn’t just
contribute to tooth decay, it also can crack or chip your pearly whites!

Lollipops, caramel corn, jawbreakers, and even mints all have the potential to chip your teeth. If
you do choose to eat candy, always be mindful when it’s in your mouth and do your best not to
bite down on it!

Nut Shells

While nuts themselves have the potential to injure teeth, nut shells are also culprits. These nuts
include pistachios, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and walnuts. You should never bite down
on the shells of these nuts as they can crack or chip teeth.

Instead, always use care when eating nuts and never attempt to crack open a nut shell with
your teeth!

Stone Fruit Pits (Drupes)

A drupe is a fruit that contains a very hard pit, also known as stone fruits. These fruits include:
 Peaches
 Apricots
 Olives
 Plums
 Cherries
 Mangoes

All of these fruits have the potential to hurt your teeth. If you choose to enjoy these fruits, be
aware that their stone pits can crack or chip your smile. Many olives come pitted while most of
the other fruits can be sliced before enjoying. If you do choose to bite into them, always be
aware of where the pit is so that you don’t accidentally damage your teeth.

A tooth that’s been chipped or cracked still needs to be evaluated by your professional dentist.
Any injury to your teeth can allow bacteria to enter and possibly reach the nerves of your tooth
which could cause pain and infection. Never wait to seek help for an injured tooth, and never
eat these foods without being cautious!

The post Careful! Top Foods That May Chip or Fracture Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Depending on the severity of your cracked tooth, your treatment may be cosmetic or it may
require an additional procedure to save your tooth. What happens once you crack a tooth?
Here’s what you need to know.

Tooth Bonding

If the crack in your tooth only extends as far as the enamel, you may be able to forgo treatment
or you may need tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding—also called dental bonding—is a form of treatment in which a tooth-colored
resin is bonded to your tooth to protect it from further damage as well as to fill in chips and
cracks.

Tooth bonding will not be ideal for every cracked tooth, but it can be used to repair certain
cracks and stop them from getting worse. Visiting your dentist can help you determine if this
treatment is for you!

Root Canal

When a crack extends beyond the enamel and into the softer tissues of the teeth, it’s likely that
you’ll need root canal therapy to prevent an infection in your tooth. When a crack leads inside
the tooth, it can be a gateway for bacteria and food particles to enter your tooth and cause an
infection.

Depending on your unique case, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with a dental
crown affixed to the end of the tooth to protect it from further damage. During a root canal,
your dentist will remove the inner pulp of your tooth to prevent an infection, or if the crack has
been present for some time, remove a potentially ongoing infection.

Since cracks have the potential to spread, it’s important to secure protection for the tooth in
order to avoid an extraction and save your natural tooth.

Extraction

In the event that the crack in your tooth leads below the gumline, your tooth may need to be
extracted. These are cracks that extend vertically down the tooth and towards the tooth’s root
and may be referred to as a split tooth.

In many cases, a split tooth is the result of a crack that’s been there for some time and has
extended down the tooth. Unfortunately, for many patients, the tooth in question will need to
be removed to prevent infection.

If you notice a crack in your tooth, getting it evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible can help
you receive the treatment you need to save your tooth!

Whether you have a superficial crack in your teeth or a deeper crack that’s causing you pain
and discomfort, it’s important to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a
cracked tooth is considered an emergency and should be evaluated that same day. Getting
prompt treatment can help you protect your cracked tooth to save your smile!

The post Cracked Tooth? Here’s What May Come Next appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A chipped tooth has the potential to cause your baby discomfort, so what can you do if this
happens? Here’s how you can treat your baby’s chipped tooth until you can get to your child-
friendly dentist.

Contact Your Dentist

If you’re able, contact your child’s dentist after you notice your baby’s tooth has been chipped.
Your dentist can provide you with more specific instructions about what to do, and may even
be able to squeeze you in for an appointment.

Your dentist may want to know if the tooth is bleeding, if the tooth fragment has been found,
or if your child appears to be in pain. It’s a good idea to keep contact information for your
child’s dentist and pediatrician on hand for events such as these.

Rinse and Store

If you’re able to find the fragment of your child’s tooth, you can rinse it gently with water and store in saliva, milk, or water until you can bring it to the dentist. In the meantime, you can gently rinse your baby’s mouth with warm water—this is especially important to do if you cannot locate the tooth fragment and there’s a chance it may still be in your child’s mouth.

Your dentist can provide you with further instructions about storing the tooth fragment until
you can get in for an appointment. In some cases, as long as the tooth fragment is kept moist,
your dentist may still be able to reattach it to your child’s tooth.

Utilize a Cold Compress

If your baby appears to be in pain, you can utilize a cold compress to reduce any discomfort or
swelling. Never give a baby any over-the-counter pain medication or numbing gel without first
consulting with your dentist or pediatrician.

Quick action after the accident can help prevent infection and discomfort, so never ignore your baby’s chipped tooth and always follow your dentist’s instructions for handling the problem to keep your baby safe and healthy.

Just because your baby’s primary tooth isn’t permanent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek
treatment for your child. A tooth chip can not only be painful, but can also allow bacteria to
enter the tooth root, which can cause an infection and even early tooth loss, which can disrupt
the alignment of the adult teeth that will come in in a few years.

By securing the tooth fragment if you’re able, rinsing your baby’s mouth, and keeping your baby comfortable, you can ensure your child is ready for their dentist appointment to repair the chipped tooth!

The post How Do I Treat My Baby’s Chipped Tooth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.