Consult Your Bellflower Dental Expert: Understanding the Common Causes of Cracked Teeth

The sheer thought of a cracked tooth can send shivers down anyone’s spine. While sometimes the experience can be unexpectedly painful, there are instances where one might not even realize when the crack occurred. The severity of the crack determines its classification as a dental urgency. Nevertheless, scheduling a check-up with a Bellflower dental professional is always recommended.

At California Dental Group, we frequently encounter inquiries regarding the reasons behind tooth cracks. Here’s a look at seven possible explanations. Call us at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment with a Bellflower dentist.

The Unintended Consequences of Biting Hard

One prevalent reason behind a cracked tooth is unintentionally biting down on something quite hard. It doesn’t always have to be an overtly hard object like a candy or nut. Surprisingly, even seemingly soft items such as bread crusts or carrots can lead to cracks if bitten at a particular angle.

Munching on the Unexpected

Certain items, often jokingly termed “almost food,” have a notorious reputation for causing tooth cracks. Notable culprits in this category include unpopped popcorn kernels and ice cubes.

Jewelry and Oral Piercings: More Harmful Than Decorative?

Oral piercings, be it on the tongue or cheek, introduce a foreign metal that frequently contacts your teeth. Over time, this repeated contact can jeopardize your tooth’s integrity, leading to potential cracks or breaks.

Teeth Aren’t Tools

Contrary to our ancestors who might have used their teeth for diverse tasks, it’s advisable to refrain from such practices today. The modern-day mantra? Use teeth exclusively for chewing food and rely on other tools for tasks such as opening bottles or cutting objects.

Ageing Dental Procedures

Certain dental treatments can compromise your tooth’s structural strength over time. Old silver amalgam fillings are particularly known to cause cracks. This vulnerability underpins the advice from dental professionals to transition to contemporary composite fillings.

The Silent Culprit: Teeth Grinding

Those who suffer from bruxism or nocturnal teeth grinding are especially susceptible to cracked teeth. Persistent grinding gradually erodes the tooth enamel, exposes the underlying dentin, and significantly raises the risk of cracks. If teeth grinding is a concern, seeking guidance from professionals at California Dental Group can provide viable solutions.

The Thermal Shock Phenomenon

A phenomenon familiar to many: extreme temperature variations can cause materials to crack. Your teeth are no exception. Swigging a cold beverage immediately after a hot one might not just affect your taste buds; the abrupt temperature shift can potentially crack the tooth surface.

While understanding the potential cause behind a cracked tooth can be insightful, the emphasis remains on seeking dental consultation. Experiencing pain post a crack? It warrants an urgent dental visit. For non-emergency situations or general consultations, feel free to reach out to us at (800) 407-0161, and we’ll assist you with the appropriate guidance.