Many people notice a small crack in their tooth and hope it will simply heal over time. If it isn’t causing pain, it can be tempting to ignore it and wait to see what happens.
Unlike skin or bone, teeth cannot repair themselves once they crack. The hard outer enamel does not grow back, so even a small crack usually remains unless it is treated. Some tiny surface lines may never cause problems, while deeper cracks can worsen over time.
How Do Teeth Become Cracked?
A tooth can crack for many different reasons. Sometimes it happens suddenly after biting something hard, while other cracks develop slowly over many years.
Common causes include:
- Biting ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods
- Grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep
- Large fillings that weaken the remaining tooth structure
- A sports injury or accidental impact
- Natural wear as teeth age
Even healthy-looking teeth can develop cracks, especially if they are exposed to repeated pressure every day.
What Does a Cracked Tooth Feel Like?
Not every cracked tooth causes constant pain. In fact, some people only notice discomfort when they chew or bite a certain way.
You may experience:
- Pain when biting down that quickly goes away
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Sharp discomfort that comes and goes
- A rough edge you can feel with your tongue
- Swelling around the affected tooth if the crack becomes severe
Because the symptoms can come and go, many people assume the problem has been resolved when it has not.
Can a Small Crack Become Worse?
Yes. Small cracks can spread over time as you continue to chew every day.
Each bite places pressure on the tooth. Eventually, a small crack may grow deeper into the tooth, reaching the dentin or even the pulp where the nerve is located.
Once this happens, treatment often becomes more involved than if the crack had been addressed earlier. Treating a crack while it is still small can often help preserve more of the natural tooth.
How Is a Cracked Tooth Treated?
The right treatment depends on how deep the crack is and which part of the tooth is affected.
Your dentist may recommend:
- Dental bonding for very minor damage
- A dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth
- Root canal treatment if the nerve has been damaged
- Extraction if the crack extends too far below the gumline and the tooth cannot be saved
Early treatment usually offers more options for saving the tooth.
Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre in Scarborough can examine cracked teeth, determine how severe the damage is, and recommend the most appropriate treatment to protect your smile. If you’ve noticed a crack, pain while biting, or sudden tooth sensitivity, book an appointment online or call (416) 321-3268 to have it evaluated before the problem gets worse.
