Do you find yourself feeling sharp pain when you bite, or when your teeth are exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures? Do you chew with just one side of your mouth? If you experience intermittent tooth pain, you may have a cracked tooth.
Cracked teeth can range in severity from mild to severe. Some Utah County patients don’t even realize they have a cracked tooth. Others are experience tooth pain every time they bite down. If a cracked tooth allows bacteria to get into the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth and prevent it from extraction.
While root canals fix cracked teeth, the best dental habit is to avoid activities that would cause teeth to crack in the first place.
Ways to Avoid Cracked Teeth:
- Don’t chew hard objects like ice, un-popped popcorn kernels or pens
- Don’t grind or clench your teeth. If you do, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard while you sleep that can help you prevent teeth grinding.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when playing any sport where facial or tooth injury is a risk (including basketball, football, rugby, boxing, lacrosse and martial arts)
If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, or if you experience tooth pain whenever you bite down, call Utah County endodontist Dr. Jon Jenson today. At Cascade Endodontics, we specialize in tooth pain relief and will help you get back to your daily activities, pain-free.