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January 23, 2025Do you ever run your tongue over your teeth and feel a crack? Or maybe you spot a thin line on the surface of a tooth and wonder how it got there. You’re not alone. Cracks in teeth are more common than most people think (affecting nearly 40% of adults), and the causes aren’t always obvious. One day, you’re enjoying your favorite snack, and the next, your tooth feels… different. So, what’s going on? Let’s break cracked teeth causes.
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ToggleWhy Are There Cracks in My Teeth?
There are several reasons why cracks appear in teeth. Some are preventable, and some just come with life’s wear and tear. Here’s a closer look at the cracked teeth causes:
Biting Hard Foods
Crunching on hard foods like popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candy can crack a tooth instantly. This happens when the force of your bite is stronger than your tooth can handle. The crack usually forms on the chewing surface and is known as a fractured cusp. These cracks may start small but grow if left untreated. Don’t worry, cosmetic dentistry can fix this.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding your teeth when stressed or while sleeping is one of the cracked teeth causes in Phoenix. This constant force weakens the teeth and causes stress fractures. These fractures are small cracks that can spread over time. These cracks may not show up right away, but they make teeth more likely to break later. People who grind their teeth often don’t realize the damage until they feel pain or notice changes in their bite.
Dental Trauma
Life is one of the major cracked teeth causes! A sudden hit to the mouth from a fall, an accident, or an injury can crack a tooth instantly. These cracks can be vertical root fractures, which start deep in the root and move upward, or oblique fractures, which run diagonally from the chewing surface toward the gumline. Trauma-related cracks are typically hard to spot right away but tend to worsen if ignored.
Age-Related Wear and Tear
Years of chewing, talking, and drinking hot and cold beverages wear down tooth enamel. As enamel gets thinner, cracks called craze lines start to appear. These are tiny surface cracks that don’t usually cause pain but can make teeth look dull or stained. More serious structural cracks can form as teeth weaken over time.
Large Fillings
Teeth with large fillings are more fragile. The filling material can’t flex like natural tooth enamel, so the remaining tooth structure takes all the pressure from chewing. Over time, this stress creates split cracks or fractured cusps. A split crack can divide a tooth into two pieces, while a fractured cusp involves part of the chewing surface breaking off.
Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature changes can crack your teeth. Drinking a hot coffee and then sipping ice water makes the enamel flex and create tiny microcracks. These cracks may seem harmless at first, but they weaken the tooth’s structure. Cosmetic dentists Phoenix, AZ believe that microcracks can spread and make teeth more likely to crack under normal pressure over time.
Weak Enamel from Dental Conditions
Certain dental conditions, like acid erosion or enamel hypoplasia, make teeth more prone to cracking. Acid erosion happens when acidic foods or drinks wear down the enamel. Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental issue that leaves teeth with thin or missing enamel. In both cases, teeth can develop surface cracks that worsen over time. These cracks may not hurt at first, but they can grow deeper and cause sensitivity or pain.
Bad Oral Habits
Using your teeth as tools to open packages or biting down on pens puts too much strain on them. These habits often cause edge cracks, which form along the tips of the teeth. Repeated pressure from non-food items can also cause stress fractures. These cracks weaken your teeth as they make them more vulnerable to chipping or breaking during normal use.
Do Cracked Teeth Heal?
Unfortunately, cracked teeth don’t heal on their own. Unlike bones, teeth don’t regenerate. However, the good news is that dentists can fix most cracks with the right treatment. Here are some cracks in teeth treatments:
Bonding
For small cracks, your dentist may use bonding. They apply a tooth-colored resin to the crack. It will seal it and restore the tooth’s appearance. Dental bonding works well for minor surface cracks.
Crowns
If the crack is more serious, a crown may be the best solution. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth. They protect your teeth from damage and other cracked teeth causes. This solution is great for teeth with deep cracks or those that take a lot of pressure during chewing.
Root Canal
If a crack reaches the tooth’s pulp — the inner layer containing nerves — a root canal may be necessary. Your dentist will remove the damaged pulp, clean the affected area, and seal the tooth to prevent infection. After a root canal, a crown usually follows to provide extra protection.
Extraction
In severe cases, when the crack extends below the gumline, you may need a removal. While this sounds intimidating, modern dentistry offers many tooth replacement options (implants or bridges).
How to Fix Cracked Teeth at Home?
While no home remedy will “heal” or resolve the cracked teeth causes, you can manage symptoms and prevent further damage until you see a dentist. Here’s how cracked teeth are fixed at home:
- Rinse your mouth regularly with a bit of warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce inflammation. This simple solution helps soothe irritation around the crack.
- If you have any swelling or pain, apply a cold compress to your cheek. It will reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain until you get professional care. Just avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding! It can thin the blood and make it worse.
Preventing Teeth from Cracking
Preventing cracked teeth causes is always better than treatment. Here’s how to do it:
- Avoid chewing hard objects. They include ice, hard candy, and even pen caps. Your teeth aren’t tools!
- If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, wear a suitable mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.
- Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste to keep your oral hygiene and keep your enamel strong.
- See your dentist for routine dental visits to catch small issues before they become big problems.
- Avoid going from a hot drink to ice water (temperature changes) to avoid cracks over time.
Fix Cracked Teeth in Phoenix, Arizona
If you notice any symptoms or cracked teeth causes in your routine, don’t wait to get checked. At Central Valley Dentistry, Dr. Behbahani, the #1 cosmetic dentist Phoenix, and his team offer expert care to fix cracked teeth in Phoenix, Arizona, and protect your smile. We provide bonding, crowns, root canals, and more to ensure your teeth stay strong. Call us today at (602) 246-0385 to schedule your appointment. Your smile deserves the best care.
What Causes Teeth to Crack: The Bottom Line
Cracked teeth can cause discomfort and anxiety, but with the right knowledge and care, you can tackle the issue before it gets worse. Our dentists have solutions to restore your teeth, whether it’s a minor crack or a more serious fracture. Remember, prevention is key, and scheduling regular dental visits with us is your best defense.
FAQs
Cracked front teeth often come from biting hard objects or due to trauma. Grinding your teeth can also cause small cracks to appear.
Cracking combined with tooth loss usually points to severe decay, gum disease, or trauma. See a dentist immediately to prevent further damage.
No, teeth can’t heal themselves. Professional treatment is necessary to repair cracks and prevent them from worsening.
Yes, small surface cracks, known as craze lines, are common. They don’t usually cause pain but can be a cosmetic concern.