Are you experiencing a sharp pain when you chew or bite down? The dentists at Eagle Rock Dental Care would like to help you understand what you may be experiencing and what you can do about it.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Small painful cracks in teeth are known as Cracked Tooth Syndrome. Cracks you can see in the mirror are most likely not the true problem. These are called Craze Lines and most adults have them. They are most often small cracks in the enamel in your teeth that are painless due to their superficial depth.
If you have been experiencing symptoms for months and these symptoms have been somewhat unpredictable and in your back molars, you are most likely suffering from Cracked Tooth Syndrome.
Symptoms
Your symptoms may range from mild pain when you chew to sharp and intense pain and sensitivity. The pain does not usually linger. The pain usually disappears quite quickly after you have stopped chewing or biting down. You will most likely not be experiencing a constant ache like you would with a cavity or abscess.
Other symptoms you may notice might be sensitivity to temperature and sweet foods. You may also notice that you chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid any pain.
Causes
There are quite a few ways one can have Cracked Tooth Syndrome. The following lists a few:
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep
- Habitual chewing of things like pens/pencils, hard foods, ice, etc.
- Teeth with large fillings are more likely to crack
- Trauma to the mouth
- Misalignment of teeth, over time, can cause a crack due to uneven pressure upon chewing
Prevention
If you grind your teeth, let your dentist know. Letting your dentist know can allow him or her to inform you of methods to help prevent you from grinding your teeth. A guard for your teeth can be made for you to help reduce any/all tooth damage while you sleep. Other mouth guards can be used while playing sports to help prevent trauma from causing Cracked Tooth Syndrome.
Conclusion
Cracked Tooth Syndrome can be quite painful when you eat or bite down. Sometimes it is unpredictable leading to people holding off from visiting their Dentist. At Eagle Rock Dental Care we are well equipped to keep you comfortable while fixing Cracked Tooth Syndrome. Please give us a call at either of our locations or make an appointment online.
