Cracking Up

Cracked tooth is one of the most common dental problems presented in the dental clinic.

CAUSES  & SYMPTOMS

Cracked tooth is a tooth that is broken due to excessive biting force on very hard substance like bone, crab shells or nutshells. Sometimes it could be due to the fact that the tooth itself is compromised as a result of previous filings. A knock or an accident could also result in breakage of a tooth especially the front teeth. This is the main reason why individuals involves in contact sports are given mouth guards to cushion the force.

In addition to excessive chewing force and accident, teeth grinding when one is asleep and teeth clenching are contributing factor of cracked tooth too. Cracked tooth due to teeth grinding or clenching usually presented as ‘cracked tooth syndrome’. Cracked tooth syndrome is a condition that refers to incomplete fracture of molars. Common symptoms include pain or discomfort on chewing and pain ceases when bite force is withdrawn. Most of the time, you cannot identify which tooth is causing the discomfort.

Symptoms of a cracked tooth are inconsistent. You may have pain on biting or chewing on certain foods and when you bite at a particular area of the cracked tooth. You will feel discomfort and heighten sensitivity when you take hot or cold food, however it is unlikely to have constant aching pain like when you had a dental decay or infection. If the crack is superficial, not involving the inner part of the tooth where the nerve is, you may not feel any pain besides discomfort cause by the sharp edges of the cracked tooth.

Written by : Dr Debbie Hong

Published in Singapore Premier's Health Magazine Ezyhealth