Cracked teeth are a condition that occurs as a result of damage or cracks in the tooth enamel or root, which can lead to health problems that affect the mouth in general if not treated properly. Some may think that this problem is simple, but in fact it can lead to serious complications such as infections and tooth loss. In this article, Dalili Medical, we will review the topic of cracked teeth in detail, explaining the common causes of this condition, the symptoms associated with it, methods of prevention, and the most important treatment options available.

**Are cracked teeth normal?**

 

It is common for adults to develop wrinkles as a result of biting and chewing over time. Tooth enamel, whether external or internal, is a very strong material, and cracks usually do not pose an additional risk to the teeth. In some cases, cracks may be deep and wide enough to cause tooth decay to form around them. A crack that causes symptoms is one that penetrates the enamel and enters the dentin or dental nerve, which may lead to a feeling of discomfort or sensitivity when chewing or eating hot or cold foods. On the other hand, cracks in the enamel are often asymmetrical, and the lines of fascination are usually painless and harmless. However, if you notice that the crack is expanding or becoming painful, it is important to visit your dentist immediately. Regular dental cleaning is also an effective way to remove stains and maintain dental health.

**What is the treatment for cracked teeth and can they be restored?**

 

Cracked teeth can be treated with dental bonding or dental crowns, which helps restore the normal function of the teeth. If the tooth is severely damaged, it may be necessary to resort to tooth extraction.

Can cracked teeth heal naturally?

 

Cracked teeth cannot heal on their own, but if these cracks are small and painless, they can be left untreated.

Do cracked teeth lead to tooth loss?

 

If the cracks are very deep and cannot be treated, we may need to remove the affected tooth.

What foods should be avoided to prevent cracked teeth?

 

Foods that are best avoided to keep your teeth healthy are ice cream and hard foods such as nuts.

What is cracked teeth?

 

Cracked teeth are a condition characterized by cracks or fissures in the enamel of your teeth, which is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth from external factors. This cracking occurs as a result of exposure to large forces, such as biting on hard foods or being exposed to sudden shocks. These cracks can be superficial or deep, and may extend to the roots of your teeth.

How can I tell if my teeth are cracked?

 

You can check for cracks in your teeth by observing some of the following signs:

- Cracks may be visible to the naked eye.

- Feeling pain while chewing, which goes away when you stop eating.

- Feeling a rough surface on your teeth or sharp edges.

- Feeling pain when eating or drinking, even though there is no decay.

Can cracked teeth cause sensitivity?

 

Yes, cracked teeth can lead to sensitivity, causing a slight pain when drinking hot or cold drinks.

Can cracked teeth lead to tooth loss?

 

Yes, deep and advanced cracks, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Are there natural ways to treat cracked teeth?

 

There are no effective natural ways to treat cracked teeth, but preventive measures can be taken to avoid them.

Can children suffer from cracked teeth?

 

Yes, children can suffer from cracked teeth, especially due to the habit of grinding their teeth.

Children also tend to explore things by putting them in their mouths, which can lead to cracks as a result of biting on hard objects.

Can cracked teeth lead to gum infections?

 

Yes, cracked teeth can cause gum infections, especially if they are close to the gum line.

**Causes of cracked teeth**

There are many causes that lead to cracked teeth, as they include a group of factors that affect the integrity of the tooth enamel or root. The most prominent of these causes are:

1. **Excessive pressure on the teeth**: such as grinding teeth during sleep or biting hard objects such as pens or hard candy.

2. **Sudden temperature changes**: Drinking hot drinks after cold foods can cause the enamel to expand and contract rapidly, leading to cracks.

3. **Injuries or shocks**: Exposure to direct blows to the face or mouth, whether during sports or as a result of accidents, may lead to cracks in the teeth.

4. **Natural aging**: As we age, teeth weaken and become more susceptible to cracking due to enamel erosion over the years.

5. **Old fillings**: In some cases, large fillings may weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cracking.

6. **Sudden temperature changes**: Exposing teeth to sudden changes in temperature, such as drinking hot coffee and then ice water, may cause the enamel to expand and contract rapidly, causing cracks to appear.

**Cracked vs. Broken Teeth**

Understanding the difference between cracked teeth and broken teeth is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.

**Cracked Teeth** A cracked tooth refers to a fracture that extends from the chewing surface to the root. This type of damage can be more serious, requiring more intensive treatment. Cracked teeth often cause pain when chewing or when exposed to high temperatures.

**Cracked Teeth** On the other hand, a broken tooth usually involves a small portion of the tooth enamel breaking off. This type of damage is usually less serious and may not cause significant pain. Broken teeth can often be treated with simple procedures such as bonding or veneers.

**Types of Cracks in Teeth**

There are several typesOf the dental cracks, which are as follows:

. **Craze Lines**   These are small cracks limited to the enamel layer of the teeth. They are usually painless and do not require treatment.

. **Superficial cracks**  These cracks affect the outer layer (enamel) only, and do not cause any pain. They can be detected by directing a simple light to the surface of the teeth, where the light disappears in the crack area.

. **Deep cracks**  These cracks reach deeper layers such as dentin, and may cause slight pain. They can often be treated with composite resin or cosmetic fillings.

. **Vertical cracks**  These cracks extend from the surface of the teeth to the root, and usually do not exceed the gum line, making them easier to treat. If the crack extends to the gum line, we may need to extract the tooth.

. **Tooth split**   occurs when the crack extends from the surface to below the gum line, which may lead to the tooth being split into two parts. In this case, the doctor may not be able to save the entire tooth, but part of it can be saved.

**Root cracks**    These cracks start at the root and extend upward toward the crown. These cracks often don’t cause noticeable symptoms unless the tooth becomes infected, in which case we may need to take additional measures.

**Symptoms and Problems Caused by Cracks in Teeth**

Not all cracks in teeth will show symptoms, but when they do, the most common symptoms include:

**Pain when chewing** Pain when chewing or biting is the most common symptom of a cracked tooth. This pain can be intermittent and vary in intensity.

**Temperature Sensitivity** Cracked teeth tend to be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This sensitivity can appear as a sharp, short-term pain or a pain that lasts longer.

**Swelling and Irritated Gums** Swelling and irritation of the gums surrounding the affected tooth may occur, especially if the crack extends below the gum line. This can lead to local inflammation and discomfort.

**Intermittent Pain** Pain that comes and goes without a clear cause can indicate a cracked tooth. This intermittent pain can make it difficult to diagnose, but it shouldn't be ignored.

- Pain when chewing, especially when returning to a resting position.

- Swollen gums around the affected tooth.

- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or eating sugar.

- The pain is often intermittent, and rarely continuous.

**Examination and diagnosis of cracked teeth**

X-rays can't reveal cracks in teeth, and symptoms alone aren't conclusive evidence of the presence of cracks. To help your dentist diagnose cracked teeth, he or she may take several steps, including:

- Ask about your eating habits, such as whether you chew hard foods a lot or grind your teeth.

- If you have a cracked tooth, you may feel pain when you press on the tooth while biting.

- Your dentist may need to use a magnifying glass to see small cracks.

- Your dentist may use a dental explorer on and around the tooth to check if it is "sticking" to the edge.

- He or she may use a special dye to highlight the cracks.

- The doctor will examine the gums for any inflammation, as this method is particularly useful in identifying vertical cracks that may lead to gingivitis.

Although dental X-rays may not directly reveal a fracture, they may indicate poor pulp health, which may indicate a crack.

What are the symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome?

 

The symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome are usually accompanied by pain and sensitivity felt by the patient, and the symptoms appear clearly as a result of cracks or fractures in the teeth. The most prominent of these symptoms are:

- **Pain and sensitivity**: Individuals often suffer from temporary pain and sensitivity when eating or when the teeth are exposed to high or low temperatures.

- **Causing conditions**: Pain and sensitivity are not continuous as is the case with tooth decay, but rather appear in certain cases. Eating certain types of food can trigger these symptoms in particular.

- **Stains or cracks in the teeth**: Cracks can usually be noticed on the surface of the tooth or inside it, and these spots or cracks often differ from the natural appearance of the teeth.

- **Feeling of adhesion between teeth**: People may feel that there is adhesion between their teeth, which may affect the structure of the teeth and lead to friction between them.

- **Sounds resulting from cracked teeth**: Cracked teeth can make sounds while chewing or grinding, and these sounds may indicate a problem with the teeth.

**Complications of cracked teeth**

Neglecting to treat cracked teeth can lead to a range of complications that negatively affect overall oral health. The most prominent of these complications are:

- **Tooth decay**: Cracks that reach the enamel of the teeth allow bacteria to infiltrate the inner layers of the tooth, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

- **Pulp inflammation**: If the crack extends to the pulp (inner tissue of the tooth), it may cause severe infections that require radical treatment.

- **Tooth loss**: In advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove the cracked tooth completely if it cannot be repaired.

- **Gum infections**: Cracks that reach the root of the tooth can lead to inflammation in the surrounding gums, which increases the risk of tooth loss.

**Methods to prevent tooth cracks**

Prevention is always the best option compared to treatment, and there are a set of steps that can be followed to maintain dental health and reduce the risk of cracks:

1. **Avoid biting on hard objects**: such as ice, hard candy, or pens. Staying away from these habits helps maintain the strength of the teeth.

2. **Use a mouth guard**: If you play violent sports or suffer from teeth grinding while sleeping, wearing a mouth guard can provide effective protection against cracks.

3. **TheFood temperature control**: It is preferable to avoid sudden changes in the temperature of foods and drinks, such as drinking a cold drink after eating hot food.

4. **Visit the dentist regularly**: Periodic check-ups with the dentist help detect any potential problems in their early stages before they worsen.

5. **Choosing the right toothpaste**: Using a toothpaste containing fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to cracking.

**What is the best vitamin to strengthen teeth?**

 

Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which is the main component of bones and teeth. The body often does not get enough vitamin D from the sun or from food sources such as dairy products, eggs, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Therefore, the importance of nutritional supplements is highlighted, as a dose of 400 international units is recommended for children up to one year of age. Vitamin D can be obtained from nutritional supplements such as:

- **Now Vitamin D Syrup 400 IU** - Now Vitamin D Syrup 400 IU Drops.

- **Solgar Vitamin D3 1000 IU 100 Capsules** - Solgar Vitamin D3 1000 IU 100 Capsules.

**Best Ways to Treat Cracked Teeth**

The appropriate treatment is determined based on the size and location of the crack and the accompanying symptoms, as well as whether the crack extends to the gum line or not.

Based on these factors, your dentist may recommend one of the following procedures:

- **Bonding**: In this procedure, the dentist uses a plastic resin to fill the crack and restore its shape and function. This treatment is usually used for minor cracks.

- **Dental Crown**: A dental crown is placed over the damaged tooth to cover and protect it, helping to restore function and shape.

**Root Canal Filling** When the crack in your tooth is very wide and extends into the pulp, your dentist or endodontist may recommend root canal treatment to remove the damaged pulp and restore some of the tooth’s integrity. This procedure helps prevent infection or worsening of the tooth’s weakness.

**Tooth extraction** If the tooth structure, nerves and roots underneath are severely damaged, tooth extraction may be the only option. The missing tooth can then be replaced with dental implants or dental bridges.