Although your tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body, it is not indestructible. Your teeth experience a lot of wear and tear. Just with the number of times we eat per day, our teeth get a lot of use. As with anything that gets used frequently, there is always the possibility of a problem developing. This is one of the reasons we are so passionate about our patients visiting us for routine hygiene examinations and cleanings. During these appointments, we inspect the teeth for signs of decay and other problems. One of the issues we look for is cracked teeth.
Signs You Have a Cracked Tooth
Being that most of our patients visit us so infrequently during the year, it is important to inspect the teeth between appointments. A cracked tooth can occur at any time and may not always be immediately noticeable. Be sure to regularly inspect the teeth for signs of visual damage. Other signs your tooth may be cracked include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the damaged tooth
- Pain when eating
- Throbbing discomfort that comes and goes
Schedule an Appointment Immediately
If you notice a cracked tooth, be sure to contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated can lead to serious dental health issues, such as a gum infection or the need to have a root canal or a tooth extraction.
Ways to Prevent a Cracked Tooth
One of the best ways to prevent a cracked tooth is to stop chewing on ice cubes and non-food items. Patients frequently use their teeth to open bottles and cut tags, both of which are extremely dangerous to their teeth. While you might not crack your teeth the first time you chew on a hard item, it weakens the enamel and can cause a problem at any time.
If you think you may have a cracked tooth, contact our office, which is located in Brunswick,GA, as soon as possible. We want to check your mouth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.
