Why Are My Teeth Cracking All of a Sudden?

Key takeaways

Signs of a cracked tooth

• Pain when you bite down or when you release your bite
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
• Pain that comes and goes rather than staying constant
• Swelling of the gum around one tooth

If you notice any of these, see an emergency dentist in Tustin promptly. A small crack is much easier to treat than one that has spread.

7 common causes of sudden tooth cracking

1. Poor oral hygiene

When brushing and flossing are skipped, plaque and bacteria build up and cause tooth decay. Decay and weakened enamel make teeth more likely to develop small cracks. A steady daily routine keeps teeth strong.

2. Age-related wear

Years of chewing and biting gradually wear teeth down. Older teeth, especially those with past dental work, are more likely to crack.

3. Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Grinding or clenching, often during sleep, puts heavy force on your teeth. Over time it wears the enamel and can cause cracks. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a custom night guard.

4. Injury or trauma

A fall, a sports injury or biting down hard on something like ice, a popcorn kernel or a hard candy can crack a tooth. Wear a mouthguard for sports and avoid chewing on hard objects.

5. Extreme temperature changes

Going quickly from very hot to very cold food or drinks makes enamel expand and contract. Over time this can lead to cracks.

6. Tooth decay

Untreated decay weakens the structure of the tooth from the inside. As decay spreads deeper, the tooth becomes more likely to crack.

7. Large fillings

Teeth with large fillings have less natural tooth structure left and are more likely to crack under pressure. If you have large fillings, ask your dentist whether a crown would protect the tooth.

How to prevent cracked teeth

• Brush twice a day and floss once a day.
• Wear a custom night guard from your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy and other hard objects.
• See your dentist regularly so weak spots can be found and treated early.

When to see a dentist about a cracked tooth

A cracked tooth won't heal on its own, and cracks can spread over time. See your dentist soon if a tooth hurts when you bite, is newly sensitive, or if you can see or feel a crack. Depending on the crack, treatment may be a filling, bonding, a crown or, if the crack has reached the nerve, a root canal. If a piece of your tooth has broken off, read Chipped or Broken Tooth: What to Do Right Now.

Get a cracked tooth checked

If you think you have a cracked tooth, don't wait for it to get worse. Call us and we'll find a time to examine it and recommend the right repair.

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