Anyone can develop a cracked tooth at some point. Every day, our teeth are exposed to various forms of stress: cold, heat, sugar, acidity, and so on. They are constantly being put to the test without us even realizing it. Teeth that have been restored with a silver or white filling are more fragile than healthy teeth and are therefore more prone to cracking over time and with use. There are ways to prevent tooth cracking, or at least slow its development. That, in fact, is the purpose of this article.
The origin of a tooth cracking
The tooth is damaged primarily by two factors:
- The invasion of bacteria (due to lack of brushing, for example);
- Pressure and shock.
When a tooth is weakened, it can crack due to malposition during chewing or simply because it is under excessive stress relative to its capacity.
Certain factors can also contribute to tooth cracking:
- A malocclusion or dental crowding;
- Dental trauma (an accident or a shock);
- Poor lifestyle habits (poor diet, lack of sleep and stress);
- A medical history or intensive drug treatment;
- Bruxism (the act of grinding one's teeth during sleep);
- Old "fillings" or large-scale restorations.
How to recognize a cracked tooth?
In some cases, a cracked tooth is easy to recognize because it can be painful. But often, teeth crack without us even noticing, like a crack in a windshield. As the crack deepens, chewing suddenly becomes painful. The fracture spreads as we chew, and the pain becomes increasingly intense, or the cracked end of the tooth may break off completely.
The pain temporarily disappears when pressure on the tooth is released, but reappears when the tooth is used or touched. The enamel gradually erodes and can progressively extend towards the pulp (the nerve of the tooth) if the tooth is not treated. If the nerve is affected, a pulp infection develops and affects the soft tissues and bone of the tooth.
In summary, a cracked tooth can be recognized by these symptoms:
- The tooth cannot tolerate either heat or cold;
- You experience sudden and unexplained pain while eating;
- The source of the pain is difficult to discern.
You could have a cracked tooth without experiencing any symptoms; here are some factors that increase your risk:
- Bruxeur, parafunction (teeth grinding or clenching);
- Grey lead;
- Large composite restoration (white filling);
- Malocclusion (non-optimal alignment or fit of teeth, would require orthodontics or braces).
Cracked tooth: preventative measures
A cracked tooth can be prevented by protecting it from its main aggressors: impact and bacteria. In practice, this means avoiding excessive use of your teeth. It's best to use them only for chewing. Certain habits should be avoided, namely:
- Biting one's nails;
- Open the packages with your teeth;
- To tear objects off with one's teeth;
- Holding objects between the teeth.
Wear a properly fitted and custom-made mouthguard during sports activities.
Some activities such as boxing, hockey or football require the wearing of a mouthguard.
Controlling teeth grinding
Bruxism is a bad habit that needs to be controlled. Unfortunately, some people automatically grind their teeth while sleeping. It is advisable for these individuals to wear an occlusal splint to distribute the force of bruxism across their entire dentition.
Correcting your occlusion
A malocclusion can damage teeth due to an uneven distribution of chewing force. This instability can be corrected through occlusal equilibration or with orthodontics (braces or invisible aligners such as Invisalign®).
Use the right dental material
A tooth filled with a material that is too soft or too hard can easily crack. Using a high-quality material suited to each surface when repairing a damaged tooth helps preserve it over time.
See your dentist regularly
A patient should see their dentist at least twice a year. Scaling should also be done at least every six months. Your dentist will use this examination to identify any diseased or fragile teeth. A cracked tooth diagnosed early will be easier to treat.
Conclusion
From childhood, our teeth are subjected to various forms of damage that we are often unaware of. We only realize a tooth is damaged when it becomes painful. Unfortunately, these irritations are often warning signs. To prevent a cracked tooth, it's essential to take care of your teeth regularly. Brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year are part of this. The dentist can then prevent a fracture earlier and minimize the need for treatment. The dental team can inform you about your specific situation so you can make an informed decision regarding the treatment of the affected tooth. Here are some options that might be offered depending on your circumstances: restoring the tooth with a crown, performing a root canal if the nerve is affected and then placing a crown to strengthen the tooth, or, unfortunately, extraction if it's the only option. In short, your dentist is the best person to advise you on your oral health.
The REMA Dentists team will welcome you and gladly assist you with your dental check-up, establishing the best diagnoses related to your condition.
