Health

How to Spot and Fix a Cracked Tooth Before It Gets Worse

lips of woman eating jellybean

Most people don’t realise how easy it is to crack a tooth. You can bite down on something hard, take a knock to the face, or even grind your teeth in your sleep and cause damage without knowing. Teeth are strong, but they’re not invincible, and sometimes the signs of a crack don’t show up right away. The problem is, what starts as a tiny line can turn into something much worse if it’s left untreated.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get It Checked

A small crack might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can quickly lead to serious trouble. Once there’s a weak point, bacteria can work their way inside the tooth and start breaking it down from the inside out. That can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss. If the crack spreads too far, you might not be able to save the tooth at all. Acting fast is the only way to stop things from getting worse.

How a Cracked Tooth Can Be Repaired

The way your dentist treats a cracked tooth depends on how bad it is. If the damage is minor, a trusted Albury dental clinic can quickly restore the tooth using a filling to seal the area and prevent bacteria from entering. For bigger cracks, a crown is usually the best option. A crown sits over the top of your natural tooth and gives it back its strength while looking completely natural. If you care about the appearance of your smile, you might want to see a Cosmetic Dentist who can match the crown perfectly to the rest of your teeth so no one can tell the difference.

Signs You Might Have a Cracked Tooth

Pain when you chew is one of the biggest warning signs. It might not hurt constantly, but biting down on something crunchy or eating hot or cold foods could trigger sharp discomfort. Many people mistake this for regular sensitivity, but if it happens suddenly or only affects one tooth, it’s worth getting checked out.

Another sign is pain that comes and goes. You might feel fine one minute and get a sharp, stabbing feeling the next. That usually means the crack is shifting slightly under pressure, and it’s a clear signal that you should call your dentist.

You should also pay attention to your gums. Swelling, redness or small bumps near the sore tooth can be a sign that bacteria have already caused an infection. That infection can spread quickly, leading to more pain and possible tooth loss if you leave it untreated.

woman with pink lipstick
Photo by Shiny Diamond

When to See a Dentist

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, don’t wait around hoping they’ll disappear. Even if the pain fades, the problem is still there. Getting it checked early often means a quick fix and less expense later. Cracked teeth can usually be saved if they’re treated fast, but the longer you leave them, the harder they are to repair. While visiting the dentist isn’t something anyone really wants to do, you’re going to be better off getting them checked before the damage is done.

Discover more from

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading