If you're experiencing dental pain that comes and goes, especially when chewing, you might have a cracked tooth. Here are the signs to watch for and what they mean.
Classic Signs of a Cracked Tooth
Pain when biting or chewing
- Sharp pain when you bite DOWN on food
- Pain often occurs when you RELEASE the bite
- Pain is usually localized to one area
- May avoid chewing on that side
Pain that comes and goes
- Unlike a constant toothache
- Triggered by specific actions
- May be fine for hours or days, then return
- Often unpredictable
Sensitivity to temperature
- Pain with hot or cold foods/drinks
- Sensitivity lingers after the stimulus is removed
- May be worse with cold than hot
Sensitivity to sweet or sticky foods
- Sugar can irritate exposed dentin
- Sticky foods can pull on the crack
Pain that's hard to locate
- May feel like it's in multiple teeth
- Difficult to pinpoint exactly
- Pain can radiate to other areas
Less Obvious Signs
Intermittent gum swelling
- Small area of swelling near one tooth
- May come and go
- Can indicate infection from the crack
Sensitivity when releasing a bite
- Pain specifically when you open your mouth after biting
- Classic "rebound" pain of a cracked tooth
Discomfort with certain foods
- Hard, crunchy foods cause pain
- Chewy foods aggravate the area
- Temperature changes bother that tooth
A feeling that something is "off"
- Tooth doesn't feel quite right
- Awareness of a specific tooth
- Subtle change you can't quite describe
Visible line or discoloration
- May see a hairline crack
- Stained line on tooth surface
- Darkening of the tooth (can indicate dead nerve)
What Causes Teeth to Crack
Common causes:
- Biting hard foods (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels)
- Chewing on non-food objects (pens, fingernails)
- Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
- Large fillings that weaken tooth structure
- Sudden temperature changes (hot food + cold drink)
- Trauma or injury to the face
- Age—teeth become more brittle over time
High-risk situations:
- Teeth with large fillings
- Previously root-canaled teeth
- Habitual ice chewing
- Known teeth grinding
- Contact sports without mouthguard
Why Cracked Teeth Are Hard to Diagnose
Cracks often don't show on X-rays
X-rays show density changes, not fine cracks. Unless the crack has caused bone loss or the pieces have separated, it may be invisible.
Symptoms can mimic other conditions
Cracked tooth pain can feel like cavities, gum disease, sinus problems, or TMJ dysfunction.
The crack may be too small to see
Even with magnification and special lighting, tiny cracks can be invisible to the naked eye.
How dentists diagnose cracked teeth:
- Bite tests with a special tool
- Dye that highlights crack lines
- Transillumination (shining light through tooth)
- Probing for isolated deep pockets
- Symptoms and history
- Sometimes, exploratory removal of old fillings
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist soon if:
- Pain when chewing that you can locate to one area
- Sensitivity that's getting worse
- Swelling near a tooth
- A visible crack or chip
- Symptoms that have lasted more than a week
See a dentist urgently if:
- Severe, constant pain
- Significant swelling
- Fever
- Visible large chip or break
- Pain that prevents eating
What to do before your appointment:
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Skip very hot or cold foods
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- Don't bite down on hard foods
- Note when pain occurs to help diagnosis
Key Takeaways
If you're experiencing any of these signs, see a dentist for evaluation. The earlier a crack is caught, the more treatment options you have. Waiting until symptoms become severe often means the crack has progressed to the point where the tooth can't be saved.
When it comes to cracked teeth, don't wait for certainty. Suspicious symptoms deserve professional evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I cracked my tooth?
Common signs include pain when chewing (especially when releasing a bite), sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers, pain that comes and goes unpredictably, and discomfort localized to one area. You may or may not see a visible crack.
Can you have a cracked tooth and not know it?
Yes, some cracked teeth have no symptoms, especially in early stages. Small cracks may not cause pain until they deepen. Regular dental checkups help catch cracks before they become symptomatic.
What does a cracked tooth feel like?
A cracked tooth typically causes sharp pain when biting, especially when releasing the bite. Pain is often intermittent and triggered by specific actions. There may be sensitivity to temperature and difficulty identifying exactly which tooth hurts.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
