What causes a tooth to crack?

Common causes include biting hard food, trauma, teeth grinding, large fillings, and sudden temperature changes in the mouth. However, the list goes on. It’s important that no matter the cause, you go to the dentist to have a proper examination and determine the best course of treatment.

How can I tell if I have a cracked tooth?

Symptoms include sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort that comes and goes. If you continue to experience discomfort in your teeth or mouth, you should go to the dentist for a proper exam as sometimes the cracks are hard to see and properly diagnose.

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?

No, cracked teeth don’t heal naturally and in fact, prompt dental care is essential to prevent further damage, infection, or possible tooth loss.

Cracked Tooth? Causes, Treatment & Recovery Guide

ADULTS

Cracked Tooth: Causes, Treatment, Recovery

Last updated 06/25

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Cracked teeth can occur for several reasons, but it is important to know the exact cause before you seek treatment. This is primarily because if there are any underlying issues that have caused a crack tooth, they need to be dealt with also.
You should visit the dentist every time you have a cracked tooth.
Although there is no set way to completely prevent cracked teeth, maintaining an optimum oral care regime, including regular visits to the dentist, combined with other several lifestyle changes, can help to reduce your chance of suffering from one

Cracked Tooth Causes

Though our teeth are strong, they are put under significant pressure, and as we get older several reasons can lead to a tooth crack or tooth chip. Among the most common reasons for a broken tooth are:

Tooth grinding at night
Large fillings weakening the structure of a tooth
Oral trauma from falls, blows to the mouth, or accidents
Sudden changes in temperature, typically from very hot or cold foods
Ageing (people over 50 are more likely to suffer a cracked tooth)
Chewing hard or sharp foods

After a tooth chip, or crack, your tongue will most likely be able to feel the change or sharpness created by the damage. Broken teeth do not necessarily hurt, but if a large portion falls off then you are likely to experience pain.

Extreme pain after a tooth chip likely means that the nerves within the tooth have been exposed. If this is the case, you should seek dental attention as soon as possible.

Types of Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth come in many different forms, the most common include:

Cracked tooth: a crack that runs from the tip of the tooth up to the gum line and can extend further, causing a root fracture.
Fractured cusp: typically occurs around a dental filling. These cracks do not affect the centre of the tooth and can be painless.
Craze lines: also called hairline cracks in teeth, these are tiny cracks on your tooth enamel that should be painless.
Split tooth: a crack that splits the tooth in half, usually below the gum line.
Vertical root fracture: A crack that starts below the gum line and moves towards the tooth’s surface. Root fractures may not have symptoms unless the tooth becomes infected.

Woman has toothache while she brushes her teeth

How are Cracked Teeth Diagnosed?

If you visit a dentist with a cracked tooth, they will perform a few routine checks to determine the type of crack you may have sustained. Common tests include:

Using a light to closely examine the tooth and illuminate the crack
Examining the gums for irritation and swelling (in the case of root fractures or vertical fractures)
Have you bite down on a stick to check for pain
Use dental dye to help a crack stand out
Take an X-ray to check the health of the inside of your teeth
Ask about your dental history to see if there were any obvious causes

Is a Cracked Tooth a Serious Injury?

A cracked tooth is not always a serious injury, but it can lead to some unwanted complications. Cracks can allow space for bacteria to enter the teeth and gums, potentially leading to a tooth abscess. A cracked tooth can also lead to infections that spread to the jawbone and other bones in your face.

If you experience the following symptoms after a tooth crack, contact a dentist:

Fever
Swollen and irritated gums
Pain when eating
Extreme sensitivity to temperature
Bad breath

Woman in a bathroom smiling and flossing her white teeth.

Cracked Tooth Treatment

If you are wondering ‘can a cracked tooth, be repaired’, then the answer is thankfully yes. If you visit your dentist, there are several treatments they can use as a method of how to fix a cracked tooth.

Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your cracked tooth, but among the most administered treatments are:

Dental bonding: A simple treatment, the dentist fills in the crack with a resin.
Dental crown: A porcelain or ceramic cap is fitted over the cracked tooth to protect and prevent further damage.
Root canal: A dentist will administer root canal treatment if there is an infection inside of your tooth. Root canals treat the infection and restore integrity to the structure of the tooth.
Dental contours: The process of smoothing out the rough or sharp tooth to stop it grinding.
Dental veneers: Sets of custom-made shells that fit over the teeth and protect them. Veneers may need replacing in the future depending on their material. Make sure you ask your dentist how long do veneers last so you can be prepared for future follow up treatments (if needed).
Tooth Extraction: If the cracked tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, the best option may be to remove it completely, once extracted, the tooth will be replaced by a dental bridge or an implant.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Cracked Tooth?

Different treatments will take different amounts of time to work effectively or administer:

Dental bonding: This will be typically restored in one session.
Dental crowns: Dental crowns can be fit in as little as a day but may also take a few sessions.
Root canals: most root canal treatments can be completed in a singular session, but your dentist may choose to break this into two smaller sessions.
Dental contours: These will be completed within one session but may require follow-up sessions.
Dental veneers: Creating custom veneers to fit the shape of your teeth can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent and urgency.
Tooth extractions: Cracked tooth extractions will be completed in a single session, but replacing the extracted tooth can take as long as a few months.

Prompt and effective treatments can repair teeth and last for years without any issues, but it is important to follow up with your dentist to check for any side effects or complications.

Can I Fix a Cracked Tooth at Home?

Sadly, there is not an effective cracked tooth treatment that you can administer at home, and you should visit the dentist if you believe you are experiencing one. There are however ways to manage the pain and symptoms of a cracked tooth by using an ice pack to calm the swelling and irritation, and saline rinses to keep the mouth clean and reduce chances of infection.

Self-care and Prevention

Though there is no set way to completely prevent cracked teeth, there are several lifestyle changes you can implement to reduce your chance of suffering from one.

The stronger your tooth is, the less likely you are to experience a crack, and the best way to ensure this is through the maintenance of good oral hygiene. Outside of maintaining good oral hygiene, you may want to implement further lifestyle changes like ensuring you use a mouthguard when engaging in sports or exercise, or avoiding hard foods likely to cause your teeth problems.

Strong Teeth Start with Great Oral Care

Cracked teeth can result from a variety of causes - injury, teeth grinding, or simply wear and tear over time. While some cracks may be minor, others can lead to discomfort, sensitivity, or may be at risk of infection if left untreated. That’s why Oral-B emphasises the importance of a consistent oral care routine and regular trips to the dentist and dental hygienist, to help protect your teeth and support long-term oral health.

Using an Oral-B iO Series electric toothbrush is the smart step. Daily care with the right brush can make a big difference — in maintaining a healthy mouth. Combined with regular check-ups with your dentist to help catch and manage cracks early, you’ll be well-equipped to care for your smile with confidence.

FAQs

Common causes include biting hard food, trauma, teeth grinding, large fillings, and sudden temperature changes in the mouth. However, the list goes on. It’s important that no matter the cause, you go to the dentist to have a proper examination and determine the best course of treatment.
Symptoms include sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort that comes and goes. If you continue to experience discomfort in your teeth or mouth, you should go to the dentist for a proper exam as sometimes the cracks are hard to see and properly diagnose.
No, cracked teeth don’t heal naturally and in fact, prompt dental care is essential to prevent further damage, infection, or possible tooth loss.

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