Why Do Teeth Chip or Crack? Common Causes, Prevention, and When to See a Dentist

An individual may end up with a broken tooth when eating, engaging in a sport, or biting down on something hard. Sometimes, the breakage can be small enough to only affect the appearance of the tooth, whereas at other times it can be more severe and affect the internal parts of the tooth causing pain and sensitivity.Even though teeth are very durable, there are things that may cause breakage of a tooth. These include various daily activities and behaviors, existing dental problems, injuries and weak enamel.

What Causes Chipping of the Teeth?

There are various causes of chipping, cracking or fracturing of a tooth. Understanding the cause can assist in preventing the issue in the future.

1. Eating Hard Foods

Eating hard foods such as ice, candy, nuts and some seeds puts pressure on the teeth. In case the tooth is already weak due to tooth decay or old fillings, any little pressure could cause it to crack.It is advisable to avoid eating very hard things and cut hard foods into smaller pieces where necessary.

2. Tooth Decay

Untreated cavities can make the internal structure of the tooth to be weak. Due to tooth decay, the tooth will weaken thus making it easier for the tooth to break or chip.Even if the tooth looks normal and healthy, the damage could already have occurred within the tooth.

3. Bruxism

Bruxism is an unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, especially when one is asleep. This puts continuous pressure on the teeth and eventually leads to erosion and cracking of the teeth.If you often wake up with pain in your jaw, headaches, sensitive teeth, or eroded teeth, consult a dentist to find out the cause.

4. Teeth Injuries Due to Sports Activities

Sports activities that lead to falls, accidents, or blows on the face can lead to injuries to the teeth. Children and adults engaging in contact sports may be prone to these injuries. Parents can consult a best child dentist specialist if their child experiences a chipped or cracked tooth during sports or other activities. Mouth guards can be used in sports for protection against injury. 

5. Large Fillings and Prior Treatment

In the case of a tooth that has been extensively treated, there is not much natural tooth material left. This might lead to an increased vulnerability to tooth fracture in some instances.The dentist is capable of assessing a tooth that has been treated priorly and recommending proper tooth protection.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cracked or Chipped Tooth?

All cracks do not always result in immediate symptoms or pain. Small cracks might be noticeable only during a dental exam.

Symptoms commonly include:

Visual crack or chip in the tooth

Sharp edges of the tooth

Sensitivity to hot and cold foods

Pain while eating

Pain in the tooth occasionally

Pain while biting and releasing the bite

Inflammation around the tooth that has cracked

Sensitive to sweet foods

The feeling of change in shape of the tooth

If the discomfort persists, it should not be ignored because tooth pain can often indicate further damage within the tooth. 

Are All Cracked Teeth Considered Dental Emergencies?

Not all cracked teeth need emergency care; however, they should get checked by a dental specialist.In case of a minor crack without pain, it does not necessarily mean that the patient needs immediate care. In case of severe cracks, pain, swelling, bleeding, or facial injury, it is necessary to have dental care right away.

If part of the tooth has been fractured, the patient should store it carefully and bring it along during their visit to the dentist.

How Does One Treat a Chipped or Cracked Tooth?

Depending on where the injury is and its severity, the following treatments could be provided.

Dental Bonding

If one only needs to restore the shape of his or her tooth due to a chipped tooth injury, dental bonding is performed. This process includes application of tooth-colored material over the damaged area to restore the appearance of a person's tooth.

Dental Filling

In case the tooth injury is linked to cavities or affects just part of the structure of your tooth, your dentist might recommend getting a dental filling.

Dental Crown

When there is much damage that needs to be repaired, one might consider having a crown fitted to replace the broken part of the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

When the crack or fracture goes as far as the pulp and leads to its inflammation or infection, one might need root canal treatment to save the tooth.

Replacement

If your tooth is severely cracked and there is no way to repair it, removal and replacement might be needed.

How Can You Avoid Tooth Chips And Cracks?

Although accidents can never be avoided, there are some practices that you can do in order to prevent the occurrence of dental issues.

Don’t Bite Extremely Hard Objects

Never use your teeth to open packages, bite nuts, or bite ice. This will subject your teeth to undue pressure.

Wear A Mouth Guard For Your Teeth During Sports Activities

A mouth guard is another great way to protect your teeth in case your face gets hit during your sports activity.

Take Care Of Cavities

In case of decayed teeth, it will get weaker with time. Dental exams will help you to treat your tooth decay before it gets worse.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

It is important that you brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day. Moreover, clean your teeth between your teeth to minimize plaque.

Teeth Cleaning By Professionals Is Recommended If The Plaque Or Tartar Build-Up Cannot Be Removed Through Regular Brushing And Flossing.

Don’t Use Your Teeth As A Tool

Using your teeth to open a bottle, cut tape, or hold an object will create unnecessary pressure and cracks.

When to See a Dentist

You should think about seeing a dentist if you feel new cracking, chipping, sensitivity, or even a slight pain in one of your teeth. Early diagnosis may help figure out if this problem is only superficial or it needs medical attention.

Sometimes people try to find a dentist near me if they experience sudden pain or injury. However, it is no less important to visit a dental office regularly since some dental conditions may not cause any signs of themselves at the early stages.

When searching for a dental clinic near me, find a place where a dentist will be able to diagnose your affected tooth, discuss treatment options, and suggest some treatment depending on the state of your teeth.

What Should You Do Before Your Dental Check-Up?

If your tooth has become chipped or cracked, refrain from using the other side of your mouth to chew food. Refrain from consuming food that is too hard for you, or too cold or too hot if your tooth has become sensitive.

You can rinse your mouth with water to help maintain cleanliness of the area. In case of any irritation in your mouth due to the sharp edges of the damaged tooth, take care during meals.

Avoid trying to stick back a cracked tooth yourself. Evaluation by a dentist is very essential because the damage that is visible on the surface is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you need initial guidance about your dental symptoms before visiting a clinic, an online doctors appointment near me can help you understand the next steps and whether an in-person dental evaluation is required.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

A cracked tooth is not always a single dental issue. The tooth crack could be a sign of decay, weak enamel, grinding, old filling, or other underlying cause.

Regular dental appointments will give any potential issues time to be caught before they become even more serious. Routine treatment can also assist in keeping your gums healthy, spotting any early signs of cavities, and checking your current dental fillings.

Oral care does not involve just solving dental issues. It involves creating good dental habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do teeth crack or chip?

A tooth may chip or crack due to hard foods, an injury to the face, tooth decay, teeth grinding, weak enamel, and extra stress on the teeth.

2. Is it bad for a tooth to chip?

While some tooth chips are not necessarily bad, a deep crack will affect the tooth's inside, possibly causing sensitivity, pain, and infection. A dental consultation is needed to establish the severity.

3. Does a cracked tooth heal by itself?

Unfortunately, a cracked tooth does not heal by itself. Treatment can range from bonding to a root canal, depending on the degree of the damage.

4. What should I do when my tooth suddenly breaks?

Stop using the broken tooth to chew and avoid very hard and either extremely hot or cold foods. Save any broken parts of the tooth and book a dental appointment.

5. Can grinding of the teeth result in cracked teeth?

Absolutely. Clenching or grinding puts extra pressure on the teeth that causes the enamel to wear off, making the teeth more prone to cracks

6. How can I stop my teeth from cracking?

Don't chew ice cubes or anything hard, refrain from using your teeth to tear things, always wear a mouth guard while playing contact sports, and take care of your teeth.

7. Under what circumstances should I visit a dentist about a cracked tooth?

If the crack is a large one, the tooth is painful and/or sensitive, if there is swelling or bleeding, or if the crack reaches through the whole tooth, then you should visit a dentist.

Conclusion

Regardless of the size of a chip or a crack, it is never a wise decision to overlook the problem. Hard foods, cavities, teeth grinding, trauma, and weak teeth could all be factors that lead to a dental fracture.Taking care of your oral health, staying away from harmful habits, using protection during sports and having your teeth checked regularly are ways to prevent dental issues.A crack, a chip, sensitivity, or pain in the tooth are indications that a dentist should be consulted immediately.