by Malavi Sivakanesan • 28 January 2025 • 6 min read
One moment, you're enjoying your favourite candy and the next, you hear a crack. But what was that crack? Was it something serious like a cracked tooth or just normal grinding? It's easy to shrug it off, but ignoring a cracked tooth can lead to severe dental problems down the line. A cracked tooth isn't always obvious as it may not cause pain right away, and the fracture might be too small to see. However, identifying it early is crucial to prevent further damage and avoid costly dental treatments. If you're unsure whether you have a cracked tooth or not, read on to learn about the symptoms that can help you be sure.
Early Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can sometimes be difficult to detect in its early stages, as the symptoms may be mild. However, identifying the early signs is crucial to prevent the crack from worsening and causing further complications. Here are some early cracked too symptoms you should watch for:
Sudden Toothaches
Sudden or sharp pain when biting down or chewing is one of the most common early signs of a cracked tooth. This pain usually occurs when the tooth is under pressure, such as when you bite into something hard or take a firm bite.
It can come on quickly and just as quickly fade away once you stop applying pressure. The reason behind this pain is that the crack in the tooth is irritating the nerves inside, causing a sharp sensation.
Temperature Sensitivity
Sensitivity to temperature is another common early sign of cracked tooth. If you suddenly notice discomfort or pain when drinking something hot or cold, it may indicate that a crack has formed in the tooth.
This tooth sensitivity happens because the crack can allow temperature to reach the nerves inside the tooth, which are normally protected by a solid surface. As a result, hot or cold foods and drinks can cause a sharp, uncomfortable sensation.
Swelling around the Gums
When a tooth cracks, it can create a small opening that allows bacteria to enter the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, causing the gums to swell up around the affected area.
Swelling around the Gums
When a tooth cracks, it can create a small opening that allows bacteria to enter the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, causing the gums to swell up around the affected area.
In addition to the visible swelling, you might also experience tenderness when touching the swollen area or when chewing near the tooth. The gums may appear redder than usual, and the swelling can make it difficult to clean the area properly.
Visible Cracks
A visible crack or chip is one of the most obvious signs that you have a cracked tooth. In some cases, you may notice a small hairline fracture or chip in the tooth, particularly on the surface.
These cracks can sometimes be hard to spot with the naked eye, especially if they are very fine or located in less visible areas. However, a dentist can easily identify these fractures during an examination and can fix them through methods like composite bonding.
Advanced or Severe Cracked Tooth Symptoms
Leaving your early symptoms stranded may cause your infection to progress into more severe complications. Here are a few advanced cracked tooth symptoms that you should be aware of and get immediate medical attention:
- Insistent Bad Breath: A deep crack traps food and bacteria, leading to foul-smelling gases and chronic bad breath.
- Persistent Toothache: A cracked tooth exposes roots, causing sharp pain that can spread to nearby teeth and gums.
- Tooth Discolouration: Damage to the pulp disrupts circulation, causing discolouration and indicating structural issues. A solution like composite veneers can restore the tooth's appearance.
- Regular headaches, earaches, swelling of the face, buzzing or ringing in your ears (tinnitus) etc.
- Sharp Edge: A cracked tooth may have a rough, sharp edge, causing discomfort when eating or drinking.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: An untreated cracked tooth can lead to swelling in the neck or under the jaw due to bacterial infection.
Be sure to get professional attention if you notice any of these symptoms.
Why Shouldn't Symptoms Be Ignored?
Teeth are tough, but with extreme pressure, they tend to crack. The smallest crack in your tooth may not be painful but can progress into several dental problems, and you could end up losing your entire tooth if left untreated.
So, if you experience any of the symptoms, don't wait any longer, reach out to Complete Smiles immediately for personalised treatment. They will provide an advanced solution to all your dental problems in a friendly and affordable manner.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.