A cracked tooth can be difficult to identify because the pain often comes and goes. You might feel a sharp pain specifically when you bite down or when you release the bite. This happens because the pressure causes the crack to open and close, irritating the soft pulp inside the tooth. Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures is also common.
Cracks can be caused by various factors, including grinding your teeth at night or biting on hard objects. In India, accidentally biting on a stone in grains or hard seeds in fruit can lead to sudden fractures. Over time, large old fillings can also weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cracking under normal chewing pressure.
Diagnosis is often challenging because many cracks are too small to be seen on traditional X-rays. A dentist will use a magnifying loupe or a special dye to make the crack visible. They may also ask you to bite down on a small tool to see which specific part of the tooth is sensitive to pressure, helping them locate the fracture.
Early diagnosis of a cracked tooth is vital to prevent the crack from extending below the gum line or reaching the nerve. If caught early, a dentist can often protect the tooth with a crown or a filling. If left untreated, the crack can lead to an infection or the eventual loss of the tooth, so see a dentist promptly if you feel pain when biting.