Never Ignore A Cracked Tooth
At Parker & Pennington Dentistry, our goal is to help our patients achieve optimal oral health. We encourage our patients to be mindful of their oral health between visits to our office by visually checking their teeth and using their tongue to feel the teeth and gums for any changes or signs of a problem. One particular problem that may be visible to the naked eye is a crack in the tooth enamel. A cracked tooth can result from a number of circumstances, such as:
- Injury to the mouth
- Chewing on hard items such as ice
- Normal wear and tear
- Pressure from teeth grinding
- Large fillings that weaken the tooth
- Age
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Not only is a cracked tooth visible to the naked eye, but there are also a number of symptoms that may indicate you are having a problem, including:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the damaged tooth
- Discomfort when eating
- Throbbing pain that comes and goes
A cracked tooth needs to be treated immediately. If you are experiencing one of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to contact our office as soon as possible. The longer a cracked tooth is left untreated, the greater the chance you will get an infection that can spread to your tooth root or jawbone.
Bruxism
One of the most common causes of cracked teeth is bruxism. This is a condition in which individuals clench or grind their teeth. This typically occurs during sleep, so patients aren’t aware they have a problem. The pressure placed on the teeth can cause them to crack and break over time.
If you think you may have experienced a cracked tooth, be sure to contact our office, which is located in St. Marys, GA, as soon as possible. We want to check your teeth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.
