Do Not Ignore A Cracked Tooth
With the summer season starting in a few short days, it is important to be mindful of your oral health. Summer is a time for vacations and plans with friends and family. We would hate for you to experience a dental emergency and for your plans to be interrupted. One of the best ways to avoid a dental emergency is through routine dental care. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, an emergency can occur at any time. One of the most common dental emergencies is a cracked tooth.
Signs You Have a Cracked Tooth
We see our patients so infrequently during the year that it is important for them to be mindful of the state of their teeth and oral health. We recommend visually inspecting the teeth and using the tongue to feel around for any imperfections. A cracked tooth can occur at any time and can lead to serious oral health complications if not treated in a timely fashion. Be sure to regularly inspect your teeth for signs of visual damage. Other signs you may have a cracked tooth include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling of the gums around the damaged tooth
- Pain when eating
- Throbbing discomfort that comes and goes
A cracked tooth does not always come with pain and discomfort. If you notice you have a cracked tooth, it is important to visit our office immediately for treatment. The longer a cracked tooth is left untreated, the greater the chance you have of needing a tooth extraction. Not only can a cracked tooth cause problems with your other teeth, but if left untreated, it can also cause an infection that can spread to your gums and into the jawbone, eventually leading to a tooth extraction.
Ways to Prevent a Cracked Tooth
We know that it is not possible to always avoid a dental emergency, but there are certain things you can do to prevent a cracked tooth. It is extremely important not to chew any non-food items. This includes pen caps, pencils, and biting finger nails. One of the most popular items that people chew that can cause severe damage is ice. Using teeth as tools and grinding them can also lead to cracked teeth. If you think you may have a cracked tooth, contact our office located in Spring Hill, FL as soon as possible. We want to check your mouth and recommend treatment to help prevent further damage.
