What Causes Cracked Teeth?

Our teeth are one of our greatest assets, which is why no one wants to get cracked teeth. Aside from what it would look like, broken teeth means it can affect the overall functionality of your teeth.

Cracked teeth are a common dental issue that can cause a lot of discomfort, especially when chewing your food. 

But what exactly causes cracked teeth, and how can you prevent and treat them? Let’s take a look at the reasons behind cracked teeth, the different types, and how to protect your teeth from cracking. 

What Happens When Teeth Crack? 

Cracked teeth occur when there is a break or fracture in the tooth’s structure. These cracks can range from minor surface cracks to deeper fractures that go deeper and affect the root of the tooth. Sometimes, the crack is barely noticeable, while other times, it can be painful, especially when chewing or biting. 

Cracked teeth should be treated as soon as possible because untreated cracks may worsen over time, leading to more serious dental problems, infections or tooth loss. 

Cracked Teeth Causes: How Do These Happen 

There could be several reasons for your teeth to crack. Here are some common causes: 

Biting on Hard Foods 

One of the most frequent cracked teeth causes is chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy. When too much pressure is applied to a tooth, it may crack, especially if the tooth is already weakened or compromised. 

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) 

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is another leading cause of cracked teeth. Grinding your teeth puts excessive force on them, which can wear down the enamel and create cracks over time. Most of the time, people only grind their teeth during sleep, often without realising it, leading to repeated bruising and damage to the teeth, which sometimes lead to hairline cracks.

Trauma or Injury 

Accidents, such as a fall, a sports injury or a blow to the face, can lead to cracked teeth. Sporting injuries or mishaps can also result in tooth fractures, especially for those who play contact sports without wearing mouthguards. 

Overuse of Fillings 

Dental fillings are helpful whenever you get damaged or chipped teeth. Unfortunately, overusing them can weaken the structure of your teeth. If more than half of your tooth has been filled, the remaining tooth material may become thin and brittle, making them prone to getting cracks.

Large fillings are especially quite problematic, as they offer less support for the natural tooth and increase the risk of breakage. 

Types of Cracked Teeth 

Did you know there are actually various types of cracked teeth? Let’s take a look and understand each one to determine the best treatment: 

Craze Lines 

Craze lines are small, shallow cracks that only affect the outer enamel of the tooth. These are common and don’t usually cause any pain, and require no treatment. They may be more of a cosmetic concern than a functional issue. However, although they are harmless, it’s still best to get them checked by your dentist to see if it does need treatment like dental bonding or veneers. 

Fractured Cusps 

A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, usually because of biting hard foods, a broken filling, or wear and tear. Fractured cusps may be painful or they may be painless.  However whether they cause pain or not, it’s important to see the dentist promptly to work out how best to remedy the situation.  Otherwise, the exposed dentine becomes prone to tooth decay, nerve damage or further cusps fracturing. 

Cracked Tooth 

A cracked tooth happens when the crack runs down the long axis of the tooth, down into the root. This is the most dangerous type of crack as it can often lie dormant and symptom free.  However if left untreated it will continue to deepen towards the nerve leading to pain, infection or even tooth loss.  Cracked teeth can be hard for a patient to notice themselves as there is no part of the tooth missing.  However our dentists have special lumination lights which are designed to pick up cracks in the tooth.  

If a crack in the tooth is picked up early enough, the dentist may recommend a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth.  If the crack is already deep and causing pain, a root canal treatment may be required before the crown is placed.  In severe cases where the crack is too deep when diagnosed, an extraction may be recommended.

Split Tooth 

A split tooth is a more severe type of crack that has extended below the gum line, causing the tooth to split into two distinct parts. This type of crack usually requires extraction, as the tooth is too damaged to repair.  

Vertical Root Fracture 

This type of crack starts at the root and works its way up toward the chewing surface. Vertical root fractures are often less noticeable, which is why you may not see them at first. However, these kinds of fractures may cause infection over time and may require root canal treatment or extraction — which means it’s important to keep an eye out for them. 

How to Prevent Cracked Teeth 

Now that we understand that some causes of cracked teeth are unavoidable, let’s try to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of getting them. Here are a few tips to prevent it from happening:  

Avoid Biting on Hard Objects 

Try to avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, and hard candy. These can put a heavy amount of pressure on your teeth that may lead to cracks. 

Wear a Night Guard  

If you grind your teeth at night, make sure to wear a night guard to protect your teeth from the damage of night time teeth grinding. A custom-fitted night guard can help absorb the force of teeth grinding and prevent cracks. 

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene 

Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep your teeth strong and healthy. Regular dental check-ups can also help your dentist identify any early signs of brittle or weakened teeth, which may be more prone to cracking. 

Address Any Dental Issues Early 

If you have large fillings or other dental issues, address them early with your dentist. Strengthening the affected teeth can prevent future cracks from developing.

Protect Your Teeth from Cracking 

Cracked teeth can be painful and may lead to more serious dental problems if left untreated. However, by understanding the common cracked teeth causes and taking steps to prevent them, you may still be able to protect and save your teeth and maintain your oral health. 

The most important thing you can get from this resource is to make sure you get regular dental check-ups with your dentist. Check-ups may help them detect and address any early signs of damage before they worsen. 

So, if you suspect you have a cracked tooth and you’re around Blackburn, VIC, pay a visit at our clinic, Whitehorse Dental. We can help you understand what caused your cracked tooth and offer a range of treatments to save your tooth and restore your smile. 

Book online or call us at (03) 8838 8820 today for an appointment.