The Two Most Common Dental Cracks - What You Need to Know
Posted on 4/1/2025 by Cooley Smiles Lynwood |
 You brush twice a day, floss regularly, and even use mouthwash. You're doing everything right to take care of your teeth, but did you know that cracks can still develop? Dental cracks are a common problem, affecting people of all ages. While some cracks are small and don't cause any pain, others can be quite serious and require professional attention.
In this article, we'll discuss the two most common types of dental cracks: craze lines and fractured cusps. We'll also provide information on how to prevent these cracks and what to do if you think you have one.
Craze Lines: Tiny Cracks on the Surface
Craze lines are thin, hair-like cracks that appear on the surface of the tooth enamel. They're usually harmless and don't cause any pain. In fact, many people have craze lines without even realizing it.
Craze lines are caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Chewing on hard objects: Biting down on ice, hard candy, or other hard objects can put stress on the tooth enamel and cause craze lines to form. |
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Grinding your teeth: People who grind their teeth at night are more likely to develop craze lines. |
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Acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks can erode the tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to cracking. |
While craze lines are typically harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. If you notice that your craze lines are getting longer or deeper, or if you start to experience pain, it's important to see a dentist.
Fractured Cusps: More Serious Cracks
A fractured cusp is a more serious type of dental crack that affects the尖端or biting surface of the tooth. These cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Trauma: A blow to the mouth can cause a fractured cusp. |
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Biting down on hard objects: Similar to craze lines, biting down on hard objects can also cause fractured cusps. |
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Large fillings: Large fillings can weaken the tooth and make it more susceptible to cracking. |
Fractured cusps can be painful and may require dental treatment. In some cases, the fractured cusp may need to be removed and replaced with a crown or other restoration.
How to Prevent Dental Cracks
There are a few things you can do to prevent dental cracks, including:
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Avoid chewing on hard objects: This includes ice, hard candy, and other hard foods. |
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Wear a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from damage. |
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Limit acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks can erode the tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to cracking. |
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See your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups can help identify and treat dental cracks before they become a serious problem. |
What to Do if You Think You Have a Dental Crack
If you think you have a dental crack, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your tooth and determine the severity of the crack. Depending on the severity of the crack, they may recommend treatment such as:
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Monitoring: If the crack is small and not causing any pain, your dentist may recommend monitoring it to see if it gets worse. |
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Restoration: If the crack is larger or causing pain, your dentist may recommend filling the crack or placing a crown on the tooth. |
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Extraction: In rare cases, if the crack is very severe and the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may recommend extracting the tooth. |
Conclusion
Dental cracks are a common problem, but they're usually not a cause for concern. By following the tips above, you can help prevent dental cracks and keep your teeth healthy. If you think you have a dental crack, don't hesitate to see your dentist for an examination.
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