Cracked and splintered teeth in children and adults causes and treatment

Cracked or fractured teeth are among the most common oral problems that can affect both children and adults. They usually start very small, sometimes so subtle that you might not notice them at first. However, over time, even a tiny crack can cause severe pain or lead to nerve infection if not treated promptly.In this article, we will explain the causes of cracked teeth, the main symptoms to watch out for, and the different treatment options, including medications, surgery, and laser therapy. We will also provide important tips to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.Follow along with Dalily Medical to learn how to protect your teeth and your children’s teeth from cracks and fractures, and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Cracked or fractured teeth are one of the most common dental problems that can affect both children and adults. They often start very subtly, sometimes so minor that you might not notice them at first. However, over time, even a small crack can lead to severe pain or nerve infection if not treated early.

❓ Can stress cause cracked teeth?
Yes. Stress can make some people grind or clench their teeth unconsciously, especially at night. Over time, this pressure can create small cracks in the teeth.

❓ Can poor oral hygiene cause cracked teeth?
Indirectly, yes. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities and weakened enamel, making teeth more fragile and prone to cracking.

❓ Why are older adults more prone to cracked teeth?
With age, enamel naturally wears down, and teeth are subjected to years of pressure and use, making them weaker and more likely to crack.

❓ Can cavities cause tooth cracks?
Absolutely. Cavities weaken the internal structure of the tooth, making the enamel brittle and more likely to develop cracks.

❓ Can sudden temperature changes cause cracks?
Yes. Rapid shifts from hot to cold, like drinking hot tea followed by ice water, can cause enamel to expand and contract quickly, leading to cracks over time.

❓ How does teeth grinding at night cause cracks?
Nighttime grinding puts tremendous pressure on the enamel, and repeated grinding can eventually cause fractures or small cracks.

❓ Can chewing ice cause cracked teeth?
Yes, chewing hard ice puts strong pressure on teeth, which can lead to cracks or fractures, especially if the tooth is weak or has a filling.

❓ Can nail-biting cause cracked teeth?
Yes. Repeated nail-biting puts pressure on teeth, causing small cracks over time, especially on the front teeth.

❓ Do all cracked teeth cause pain?
Not always. Some cracks are superficial and painless, but if left untreated, they can grow deeper and reach the nerve, causing pain.

❓ Can using teeth as tools cause cracks?
Yes. Using teeth to open bottles or cut objects exposes them to strong forces that can cause fractures or chips.

❓ Why are front teeth more likely to crack?
Front teeth are thinner and more exposed to direct impacts, making them more prone to cracks.

❓ Can dry mouth cause cracked teeth?
Indirectly, yes. Dry mouth reduces saliva, which protects teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and enamel weakening, leading to cracks.

❓ Is chewing gum helpful or harmful?
Sugar-free gum can be beneficial because it stimulates saliva and cleans the mouth. But excessively hard or frequent chewing can put pressure on teeth and cause small cracks.

❓ Can wisdom teeth cause cracks in other teeth?
Yes. Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing cracks or pain over time.

What is a cracked tooth?

A cracked tooth means there are fractures in the enamel, the hard protective layer of the tooth. Cracks occur when a tooth experiences strong force, like biting something very hard or a sudden trauma. Cracks can be superficial and harmless or deep, extending to the root, requiring urgent dental care.

Types of cracked teeth in children and adults

Children:

Superficial enamel cracks: Small lines on the surface, usually painless. Caused by chewing pressure or minor trauma.
Advanced cracks reaching the dentin: Deeper cracks causing sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks. Often caused by untreated cavities or strong impact.
Cracks involving the nerve: Severe cases where the crack reaches the nerve, causing intense pain or swelling. Usually requires root canal or urgent dental treatment.

Adults:

Craze lines: Tiny cracks in the enamel only, painless, common with aging.
Fractured cusp: A small part of the tooth breaks, causing pain when chewing. Often caused by hard foods or large old fillings.
Cracked tooth: Crack reaches the nerve, causing intermittent or sharp pain while eating. Requires root canal or crown.
Split tooth: Tooth splits into two; extraction is usually the only solution. Often due to untreated cracks or severe trauma.

Causes of cracked teeth

Children:

Trauma or falls: Minor impacts can cause small cracks.
Deep cavities: Weakens enamel and dentin, making teeth fragile.
Chewing hard foods: Ice, nuts, or hard candies.
Harmful habits: Thumb sucking or opening objects with teeth.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of calcium or vitamin D weakens teeth.

Adults:

Excessive pressure: Teeth grinding at night or chewing hard foods.
Large fillings: Older restorations can weaken teeth.
Severe trauma: Accidents impacting the mouth.
Sudden temperature changes: Hot then very cold foods/drinks.
Enamel wear and gum disease: Poor oral hygiene or periodontal problems.

Symptoms of cracked teeth

Children:

Sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Pain while chewing; avoidance of the affected side.
Swelling or redness in gums.
Uneven chewing to avoid discomfort.
Tooth color changes if the crack is deep.

Adults:

Sudden or intermittent pain while eating, especially hard foods.
Sensitivity to hot and cold.
Difficulty chewing on the affected side.
Visible cracks or lines on the tooth.
Darkening or weakening of the tooth over time.
Pain when applying direct pressure.

Complications

Children:

Increased pain and sensitivity.
Nerve infection or abscess if the crack reaches the pulp.
Impact on the development of permanent teeth.
Difficulty chewing, affecting nutrition.
Speech and jaw movement issues.

Adults:

Persistent or worsening pain.
Nerve inflammation and abscess formation.
Tooth loss in severe or untreated cases.
Spread of infection to neighboring teeth.
Chewing and digestion problems.
Tooth discoloration or weakening.

Prevention of cracked teeth

Children:

Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Visit the dentist every 6 months for early detection.
Avoid very hard foods like nuts or ice.
Use mouthguards during sports.
Provide calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods.
Avoid harmful habits like thumb sucking or biting objects.

Adults:

Brush and floss daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Regular dental check-ups every 6 months.
Avoid teeth grinding (use a night guard if needed).
Avoid extremely hard foods and sudden temperature changes.
Treat cavities and old fillings promptly.
Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium.

Medication treatment for cracked teeth

⚠️ Important: Medications don’t fix cracks but relieve pain and control infection until proper dental treatment (filling, crown, or root canal) can be done.

Children:

Pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (doctor-prescribed).
Antiseptic mouth rinse (chlorhexidine) to reduce bacteria.
Antibiotics for abscesses or infections if necessary.
Topical gels for temporary pain relief.

Adults:

Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Antibiotics for infections or abscesses.
Daily antiseptic rinses to reduce bacteria.
Topical gels for sensitivity or pain.

Tip: Medications are temporary; visit the dentist promptly for proper treatment.

Diagnosis of cracked teeth

Children:

Visual examination: Dentist inspects teeth for lines or small fractures.
Parental interview: Questions about pain timing, chewing habits, or sensitivity.
Pressure/biting test: Child bites on soft rubber; pain indicates deep crack or nerve involvement.
X-rays: Detect internal fractures or abscesses not visible on the surface.

Observation of Child’s Behavior During Examination

If the child avoids pressure on the tooth or cries during the check-up, this indicates real pain.

Diagnosis of Cracked Teeth in Adults

1️⃣ Clinical Examination
The dentist looks for lines, changes in color, shape of the tooth, or gum abnormalities.

2️⃣ Thermal Test (Hot & Cold Test)
Tests the tooth’s response to hot and cold foods or drinks. Sudden pain may indicate that the crack has reached the nerve.

3️⃣ Percussion Test (Pressure Test)
The dentist gently taps the tooth with a small tool. Pain suggests an internal crack or nerve inflammation.

4️⃣ Electric Pulp Test
Measures the nerve response. No response usually indicates nerve damage.

5️⃣ Advanced X-rays (Bitewing or CBCT)
Helps detect root fractures or internal abscesses and guides the dentist on the treatment plan: filling, crown, root canal, or extraction.

Treatment of Cracked Teeth in Children and Adults

1️⃣ Medication Treatment for Children

Pain relievers: Paracetamol (Panadol Kids) or Ibuprofen (Brufen Syrup) according to weight, for temporary pain relief until a dental visit.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Used if there is minor swelling around the tooth, under medical supervision only.
Antibiotics: Amoxicillin or Augmentin may be prescribed if there’s infection or abscess, to prevent spreading to permanent teeth.
Mouth rinse: Mild antiseptic like low-concentration chlorhexidine or warm salt water helps reduce bacteria and inflammation.

2️⃣ Medication Treatment for Adults

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories: Ibuprofen (400–600 mg) or Paracetamol to reduce pain and swelling.
Antibiotics: Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Augmentin) or Metronidazole (Flagyl) for infections/abscesses. Complete the course fully.
Antiseptic mouth rinse: Chlorhexidine 0.12–0.2% twice daily to reduce bacteria and protect gums.

⚠️ Medication Tips:

Never use medication without a prescription.
Medications are temporary; the real treatment must be performed by a dentist.
Severe cases may require a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction.

Surgical and Laser Treatment for Children

1️⃣ Fillings or Minor Surgical Support
The dentist removes the weak or decayed part and applies a restorative filling. Large cracks may require a temporary or permanent crown until the permanent tooth emerges.

2️⃣ Pulpectomy (Root Canal for Children)
If the crack reaches the nerve causing severe pain, the dentist cleans and disinfects the canals and then applies a permanent or temporary filling.

3️⃣ Tooth Extraction in Severe Cases
If the tooth is completely broken or heavily infected, it may be extracted. A space maintainer may be used to preserve room for the permanent tooth.

4️⃣ Laser Treatment

Removes decay or weak parts with minimal pain.
Reduces bleeding and cleans the nerve precisely.
Accelerates gum healing after minor surgical procedures.

Surgical and Laser Treatment for Adults

1️⃣ Crowns or Advanced Fillings
For partial cracks, a strong filling or cosmetic crown strengthens the tooth and prevents worsening of the crack.

2️⃣ Root Canal Treatment
If the crack reaches the nerve, the dentist cleans and fills the canals, then places a permanent crown to protect the tooth.

3️⃣ Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
If the crack reaches the root and causes an abscess, a small incision is made in the gum to remove the affected root portion, then stitched carefully.

4️⃣ Tooth Extraction in Advanced Cases
If the tooth is split or completely broken, extraction is necessary. Later, a dental implant or bridge can replace it functionally and aesthetically.

5️⃣ Laser Treatment for Adults

Helps clean fine cracks and decay with high precision.
Reduces pain and bleeding during fillings or root canal treatment.
Accelerates gum healing and preserves the natural shape of the tooth.

Post-Surgical or Laser Care Tips

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth for the first 24 hours.
Apply cold compresses to the cheek to reduce swelling.
Follow all prescribed medications (painkillers, antibiotics).
Clean the mouth gently using antiseptic rinse or salt water as instructed.
Attend follow-up after one week to check gum healing and treatment success.

Handling Cracked Teeth: Practical Tips

For Children:

Immediate dental visit: Any complaint of pain or sensitivity requires prompt examination.
Avoid chewing on the affected tooth: Offer soft foods like mashed potatoes or yogurt.
Regular brushing: Twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and soft brush.
Avoid hard foods and sticky sweets: Ice, large nuts, and sticky candies increase risk.
Cold compress for swelling: Relieves inflammation around the affected tooth.
Follow medication instructions carefully: Ensures infection control and pain relief.
Monitor behavior: Track eating and talking habits, and report any new pain to the dentist immediately.

For Adults:

See the dentist promptly: Small cracks can worsen quickly, especially if they reach the nerve.
Follow all medications: Complete the prescribed painkillers or antibiotics course.
Avoid pressure on the affected tooth: Eat soft foods, avoid opening packages or biting nails.
Maintain oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss.
Use cold compresses: Especially after filling or surgical treatment.
Care for remaining teeth: Check old fillings and treat new cavities to prevent additional cracks.
Post-treatment follow-up: Essential for fillings, crowns, or root canals to ensure healing and stability.