Tooth enamel is strong, but it's not indestructible, and can be damaged. Here's what you need to know about cracked enamel.
How do you crack your enamel?
There are many things that can cause cracks in your tooth enamel; even things that you do every day can be responsible. Here are a few possible causes of cracked enamel:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Chewing on hard objects like ice or pens
- Biting into something hard like a bone or a fruit pit
- Trauma such as falling and hitting your chin
- Rapid temperature changes inside your mouth, like biting a very hot food and then drinking ice water
What are the signs of cracked enamel?
Serious cracks may be visible to the naked eye, but if you have a smaller crack, you won't be able to see it when you look in the mirror. Cracks cause pain and sensitivity in the affected tooth, so even if you can't see what the problem is, you will be able to feel that there is a problem. Your dentist will examine your teeth under magnification to diagnose the crack. Dentists usually use 16x magnification to look for cracks
Can cracked enamel get better on its own?
Your enamel isn't like the other tissues in your body in that it has a very limited ability to heal itself. This is because it has a completely different makeup than the rest of the tissues in your body. Most of your tissues are made out of cells, which are essential to the healing process, but tooth enamel is mostly made out of minerals such as calcium. Tooth enamel contains about 90% minerals and only 10% cells. It's able to heal microscopic damage, like cavities that aren't visible to the naked eye, but it doesn't stand a chance against more serious damage like cracks.
Why is cracked enamel a concern?
Cracks in your tooth enamel aren't just a cosmetic issue. Your enamel serves to protect the more sensitive tissues underneath, the dentin and the pulp, and those tissues won't be properly protected if there is a crack in your enamel.
The dentin is directly beneath the enamel and is very sensitive, so if it's exposed, you'll feel pain every time you eat or drink anything hot or cold. Bacteria can also get into your dentin through the crack in your enamel, causing decay inside your tooth. If this bacteria reaches the root of your tooth, the tissue beneath your dentin, you could end up needing a root canal or even an extraction. For this reason, cracked enamel is the third biggest cause of tooth loss!
How do dentists fix cracked enamel?
Dentists have many ways to treat cracked enamel, depending on just how serious the crack is. Minor cracks may not require any treatment other than monitoring them to see if they get any worse. If the crack was caused by clenching or grinding, you may be given a splint, which is a custom-fitted mouthguard that protects your teeth. This splint will be worn while you sleep to keep you from causing any more damage to your teeth. Your dentist may also repair the crack in your enamel with dental bonding, which is tooth-colored dental glue.
Serious cracks require more invasive treatments. If the crack has allowed food and bacteria to touch your dentin or your pulp, you may need a root canal. This is a routine procedure where the dentist removes your pulp tissue and replaces it with a cement-like filling. In some cases, the tooth may even need to be extracted. Your dentist will let you know if your tooth falls under this category.
Cracked enamel has the potential to be a serious problem, so if you think your enamel is cracked, see a dentist at a clinic like Sunridge Mall Dental Clinic right away for treatment.
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