How to Recognize the Early Signs of a Cracked Tooth ?

Cracked tooth symptoms you should know

Cracked teeth are more common than you might think, but many people don’t realize they have a crack until it becomes painful or more noticeable. As your local dentist in Hesperia, we want to help you recognize the early signs of a cracked tooth so you can seek treatment before it worsens.

A cracked tooth can result from various factors, including trauma, teeth grinding, or age-related wear and tear. Sometimes, the crack may be so small that it’s hard to spot, but there are a few key symptoms you can watch out for.

Here’s how to tell if you may have a cracked tooth and what you can do about it.

1. Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common early signs of a cracked tooth is tooth sensitivity. You might notice that certain foods or drinks trigger discomfort or a sharp pain in your tooth, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet items. This happens because cracks can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, allowing stimuli to reach nerves that would normally be protected.

  • If you experience sudden sensitivity to temperature changes or sweet foods, it could be an indication of a crack.
  • Pay attention to when the discomfort occurs — if it happens after chewing or biting down, the crack could be in the biting surface of the tooth.

2. Pain When Chewing or Biting Down

Do you feel pain or discomfort when you bite down or chew? A cracked tooth often causes sharp pain when pressure is applied, such as when you’re chewing food or even lightly biting down. This pain might come and go, depending on the position of the crack. Sometimes, the pain might not be present all the time, making it harder to pinpoint the exact cause.

  • If chewing on one side of your mouth causes discomfort, especially if it’s a sharp pain when you bite down, this could be a sign of a crack.
  • You may also notice that the pain stops once the pressure is relieved, which is a characteristic symptom of a cracked tooth.

3. Visible Cracks or Chips

While some cracks are too tiny to see, others may be visible to the naked eye. If you notice a visible crack or chip in your tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Keep in mind that not all cracks will be immediately visible, especially if they’re small or located in hard-to-see areas of your mouth.

  • Inspect your teeth in the mirror with good lighting. If you spot any visible lines or chips, it could indicate a crack.
  • If the crack is in a tooth that has already been filled or treated, it’s especially important to get it checked, as cracks can lead to the filling breaking down.

4. Swelling or Gum Irritation Around the Tooth

Swelling in the gums near the affected tooth is another early sign that you may have a cracked tooth. The gums around a cracked tooth may become irritated or inflamed, and in some cases, you may notice tenderness when you touch the area. This happens because bacteria can enter the crack, leading to an infection or inflammation in the surrounding gums.

  • If you notice that your gums are swollen or sore around a specific tooth, it could be a sign of a crack that has caused irritation.
  • Irritated gums often accompany tooth pain or discomfort, so paying attention to these signs together is important.

5. Intermittent Pain That Comes and Goes

Cracked tooth pain often doesn’t last all the time. It may come and go depending on what you’re doing, such as chewing, biting, or even talking. You might feel pain for a few seconds and then experience relief, which can make it hard to pinpoint the source of the pain. If you’ve been experiencing intermittent pain in a particular tooth, it’s worth paying closer attention to see if the pain is linked to any of the other symptoms listed here.

  • If the pain doesn’t last long but recurs throughout the day, it’s worth noting, as it could indicate a crack that needs professional attention.
  • The pain could be more noticeable after certain activities, such as eating or brushing your teeth.

6. Changes in Tooth Color

In some cases, cracks in teeth can lead to discoloration or dark spots. This happens because the crack may expose the inner layers of the tooth, making it more susceptible to staining from food, drinks, and other factors. A noticeable dark spot or a change in color on a specific tooth could be a sign that there is a crack, especially if it’s localized to one area of the tooth.

  • Check your teeth for any changes in color, particularly if a dark spot has appeared without an obvious reason.
  • If the discoloration persists even after you clean the tooth, a crack could be the underlying cause.

What to Do Next?

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to see a dentist in Hesperia. Early detection is key to preventing further damage and avoiding more serious issues down the road. At Maple Dental, we provide thorough exams to diagnose cracked teeth early and offer effective treatments to restore your smile.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us today at 760-949-7274 or schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you maintain healthy teeth, pain-free smile.