Everyone wants a healthy smile, but teeth can be prone to lots of problems, especially without regular dental care. One such problem is known as cracked tooth syndrome. This condition occurs when a person has a hard to detect crack in the tooth. You may also hear a dentist refer to this condition as split tooth syndrome. Regardless of what the condition is called, it can lead to pain and should be treated by a qualified dentist as soon as possible.

What Are The Warning Signs?

The best way to stay on top of a cracked tooth is to familiarize yourself with the warning signs. These can vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the crack. In general, though, most people will first notice unexplained pain in the affected tooth, particularly when eating. Because the associated pain tends to come and go, you may be tempted to ignore it or to write it off as nothing serious. However, the pain and associated symptoms are likely to grow more severe over time. Thus, at the first sign of unexplained pain or discomfort, it’s wise to book a dental appointment.

If left untreated, you may eventually begin to experience the following, more severe symptoms:

• Increased sensitivity
• Inflamed or swollen gums
• An increased risk of tooth decay

What Causes Cracked Teeth?

People can develop cracking in one or more teeth for a variety of reasons. If you are someone who regularly grinds your teeth, for example, you may be more at risk of cracking. Likewise, individuals who have weakened teeth, experienced past cavities or undergone root canals may also be at an increased risk. While everyone should undergo regular dental check-ups and should check for cracked teeth, this is particularly vital for individuals with certain risk factors that may make them more prone to developing the condition.

Reducing Your Risk

As mentioned, people at an increased risk of developing this syndrome should be especially vigilant about watching for its signs and seeking appropriate dental care. They are also advised to take specific steps to reduce their risk of a crack developing. As an example, if you know you grind your teeth, you could have a mouth guard made to help lessen the impact of grinding. Additionally, if you have any teeth that are at a disadvantage, such as teeth that have been capped or filled, you should ask your dentist to pay special attention to those teeth during routine dental exams and cleanings. They can let you know if any signs of trouble are present and can help you take steps to better protect these particular teeth. Letting your dentist know about your concerns and providing a full dental history may also be useful in reducing the likelihood of developing cracked teeth syndrome.

Diagnosing The Condition

Receiving a diagnosis of this specific tooth syndrome can also be helpful in assessing your risk and knowing what to watch for. With that said, the condition can sometimes be difficult to diagnose properly. For one thing, very tiny cracks or fractures may not always show up on x-rays or be obvious upon examination. Furthermore, dental pain and discomfort can also be falsely attributed to more common conditions.

The best thing you can do is to see a dentist for any pain in the teeth or gums or for any dental abnormalities. Also, be honest with them about your history and overall dental hygiene routine. This can help dentists to more accurately assess your risk and can aid in arriving at the proper diagnosis sooner. This, along with choosing a highly qualified dentist, may lead to better prevention and the most appropriate care.

|Getting Help

Whether you receive a diagnosis or not, cracked teeth should never be taken lightly. They require professional care. The type of care you need will vary based on a number of factors, such as the cause and severity of the crack. Some common options include extraction, root canals, or the placement of a dental crown. If not treated, cracks could potentially lead to more serious problems. As such, you should always seek professional dental help whenever you suspect or see a crack.

Reach Out

Do you think you could be suffering from cracked teeth? Or, maybe it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist and you’re worried about your risk factors. Whatever the case may be, Matthews Smiles can help.

This dental office specializes in general and reconstructive dentistry and can aid patients of all ages and from all walks of life. No matter what your concerns may be, you can reach out to them to learn which steps to take, such as booking an examination or exploring treatment options. With Matthews Smiles on your side, you can guard your teeth against cracks and other common issues.