Big things start small. Did you know that stress due to poor eating habits and teeth grinding can cause tiny fractures to accumulate on your teeth over time, thus damaging their more sensitive inner structures? Sporty people are prone to dental fractures from blunt trauma, but even the most inactive of people share this risk as well, only this time the cracks are “sneaky”. The symptoms tend to be mild and can go undetected for a long time unless you regularly visit your dentist working with a local Newport Beach, CA practice for a check-up.
Negligible pain
Pain tells you that there’s something wrong with your teeth. But unless it’s prolonged and intolerable, you might end up ignoring it. The pain caused by Cracked Tooth Syndrome isn’t as consistent as that of an abscess or cavity; it’s typically triggered when you are exposed to cold temperatures and eat certain foods, or if the affected tooth receives stress when you bite or chew.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome is one of those dental conditions that are difficult to detect. Aside from that, the symptoms are mild and unpredictable, and the cracks themselves can be too small and may occur below the gum line, rendering x-rays ineffective. As such, your dentist may have to utilize special tools to spot fractures.
Molars are the first to go
You use your front teeth for biting, but your molars receive most of the stress from chewing, which is necessary for preliminary digestion. If you’re fond of eating “hard” food such as ice, candies, corn kernels, biscuits, and other similar consumables, you’re more at risk of cracked or chipped molars. Additionally, habitual teeth grinding (bruxism) can do considerable damage to your teeth, too.
Dental fractures, no matter the size, make the teeth more susceptible to pain and decay. Without early intervention, these cracks can extend up to the tooth’s inner layer and expose the tooth’s living tissue (pulp), accelerating infection and permanent tooth loss.
Remedies for Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Treatment varies depending on the size, extent, and location of the crack. A dental crown may provide sufficient protection if the cracks only occur on the outer layer. If it reaches the level where blood vessels and nerves lie, you may need a root canal treatment. However, if it extends up to the root in the jaw, the tooth would have to be extracted and replaced by an implant or a bridge.
The surest way to prevent existing dental fractures from worsening is by routinely visiting your Newport Beach dental facility. Be observant of symptoms and don’t hesitate to share these with your dentist so he or she can provide the best treatment as early as possible.
Source:
Cracked Tooth Syndrome, Dear Doctor
What Wears Down Your Teeth, Web MD