A tooth is cracked when it is damaged with lines in its surface but not completely broken.
Causes of cracked tooth include, pressure from teeth grinding (bruxism), chewing hard foods (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernel, etc.), trauma from falls/accidents, age, with most teeth cracks occurring at 50 years and older.
Symptoms may include pain that comes and goes when chewing or eating certain foods.
Treatment varies depending on the circumstances and can range from observation to inserting a crown. If severe, a root canal or tooth extraction may be required.
If you think you have cracked a tooth, make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment puts your mouth at even greater risk!
