The enamel, or the outermost layer of the teeth, is strong. But it isn’t immune to breakage or general wear and tear. When your teeth break, they can become sharp, unsightly, and uncomfortable.

There are various reasons why the tooth gets cracked. It can be due to extreme pressure, grinding, or aging.

A cracked tooth can still be fixed. Your dentist will recommend a treatment option depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the tooth, among many others.

In this post, we talk more about why the teeth break, the symptoms of a cracked tooth, its complications, and prevention.

Causes of a cracked tooth

The teeth can crack due to the following:

• Biting down on hard food or objects, such as ice or nuts
• Using teeth to open bottles or packages
• Impact from falls or accidents
• Teeth grinding
• Having large fillings
• Playing contact sports without protection for the mouth
• Sudden changes in temperature - eating or drinking something extremely hot or cold
• Aging

Risk factors for a cracked tooth

Some may be more vulnerable to tooth breakage. A weak tooth is more likely to get damaged than a strong tooth. Here are more instances that can make the tooth weaker:

• Having tooth decay and cavities
• Teeth grinding and clenching
• High intake of sugary or acidic food and beverages
• Eating disorders that can increase acidity levels in the mouth
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Location of the teeth - molars or teeth exposed to heavy chewing can be more prone to damage

Cracked tooth symptoms

Damage to the tooth can be in the form of a line, crack, or split. But not all cracks or chips are easily noticeable. Here are some of the common symptoms of a cracked tooth.

• Pain or discomfort when eating, chewing, or biting
• Swollen and tender gums
• Heightened sensitivity

A cracked tooth may not have any symptoms. During your routine dental exams, your dentist can detect damages on your teeth and recommend options to fix them.

Preventing damage to the teeth

The stronger and healthier the teeth, the less likely they are to sustain cracks. Here are tips to prevent teeth breakage:

• Maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing.
• See your dentist regularly for oral examinations and dental hygiene cleanings.
• Avoid chewing or biting down on hard food or objects.
• Wear a custom sports mouthguard if you’re active in sports.
• Get a custom mouthguard that you can wear to sleep if you’re clenching or grinding your teeth.

Fixing a cracked tooth

A cracked tooth can’t be fixed at home. But there are ways to reduce the damage while you’re waiting to see the dentist.

• Avoid using the cracked tooth.
• Place ice on the side of the cheek where the damaged tooth is.
• Clean your mouth with warm water.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• East soft food.
• If the tooth becomes jagged, place wax on it to protect your tongue and gums.

Don’t delay seeing your dentist. Book an appointment immediately so your dentist can examine the crack and fix it. Ignoring the damage can cause infections that can spread to the gum and bones.