A hard outer layer called enamel protects your teeth. Environmental factors and a diet high in sugars and acids (citrus fruits, sodas, candy, etc.) can weaken the enamel and make teeth prone to decay, cavities and cracking.

Teeth with large fillings in them also tend to develop cracks over time. After all, your jaw closes with up to 270 pounds of force.

There are a few things you can do to prevent cracked teeth, including:

• Brush your teeth twice a day. This prevents cavities that weaken enamel and make teeth prone to cracks.
• Use a toothpaste high in fluoride or use a high-fluoride rinse. Fluoride restores tooth enamel that is weakened by acidic foods and bacteria.
• Don’t skip dental checkups. Regular dental visits will help identify problems early so they can be treated.

What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

• Small cracks might not have any symptoms.
• As the crack progresses, hot or cold foods or beverages cause pain in the tooth.
• You might feel pain when biting down on the tooth.

The good news is, most cracks are fixable! Dr. Shawn Velez at Advanced Endodontics is here to help. If you think you have a cracked tooth, call Advanced Endodontics today at 803-648-0056 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Velez and his staff will examine the tooth and take an X-ray to confirm the severity of the crack.

You do not want to put off seeking treatment for a cracked tooth. A small crack in a tooth is like a chip in a windshield. The longer you leave it, the greater the risk that it will get worse, leading to pain and more expensive treatments. If a crack is caught early, Dr. Velez can use a crown to replace the top of the tooth to protect it like a helmet protects your head. If the crack is deep, he might can do more extensive work to reinforce the inside of the tooth.

If the crack progresses so deep into the tooth that it must be replaced, Dr. Jennibeth Robles-Velez next door at Advanced Oral & Facial Specialists can extract the tooth and replace it with a realistic prosthetic.

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