Is your tooth cracked?

Did you know that teeth are not bones? They are a different substance made of enamel, nerves, and calcium. We put them hard at work all our lives. This constant smashing and gnashing require them to be resilient, to grow and feel. Unfortunately, this means that they can crack, exposing those inner nerves.

If your tooth cracks, the nerves inside are exposed to the outside world. This convenient mechanism lets us know something is wrong, but it comes at a price. Your tooth will be more sensitive and potentially painful. To find out if you have a fractured tooth, ask yourself the following questions:

1 . Can you see any damage?

The first step is to look inside. For this, you’ll want to buy a dental mirror. Without a way to look at all your teeth, including their backs, you’re going to have a rough time spotting damage. Dental mirrors are an inexpensive and easy way to keep an eye on your oral health. 

Make sure you use a flashlight for good visibility. If possible, have a friend or family member examine your teeth for you. It might seem uncomfortable, but you can do the same for them and it may save one or both of you some trouble later!

Our eagle-eyed dentists at Dr. Swanson’s practice are also a great way to find out if you’ve had any fractures. Join us for a routine checkup to find out if you’re unsure about whether you have a crack!

2 . Have you had any recent impacts to your mouth or face?

This might seem obvious, but following an injury we tend to focus on the immediate healing of other parts of the body – like the skin. You may not notice a crack in your tooth right away. However, it’s important that we address any injuries to the face or mouth immediately.

If you’ve suffered a blow to the face, we recommend coming in for x-rays. Our dental assistants are highly trained at taking clear x-rays. We’ll find out if your injury requires any dental treatment.

3 . Are heat and cold uncomfortable or painful?

If you’ve ever taken a swig of a hot beverage, or rinsed your mouth out with some cold water, and felt an awful pang of pain, you may have a cracked tooth. This could also be a cavity. If you experience dental discomfort of any kind, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

4 . Do you grind your teeth at night?

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is a common cause of tooth damage. Bruxism is quite common, and it can develop for many different reasons. 

If you experience pain in your jaw, or pain in your back teeth, it could be caused by bruxism. We recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth from breaking.

5 . Do you feel any new sharp ridges or edges? 

Occasionally, a crack can occur that will chip the edge of the tooth. This causes part of the tooth to break off. If you notice a small hard piece of something while you’re eating, that may be a piece of tooth. 

Feel the edges of your teeth and see if anything feels unusually sharp. It will usually be easy to tell, as it could be causing you pain. 

Next Steps

So, you’ve either found a crack in your teeth or suspect one is there. Join us at Dr. Swanson’s office for a checkup and we’ll get started on a treatment plan if you do have a fractured tooth. Give us a call at (559) 732-4543 or send us a message here to schedule an appointment today!