The condition of your teeth is very important for the overall appearance of your smile. But cosmetics are not the only thing that you should worry about. The following guide will provide some information on basic tooth fractures and expose the hidden dangers associated with a cracked tooth.

How Tooth Fractures Occur

Fractures to your teeth can occur for several reasons, like the following:

• Falls or hits to the mouth
• Biting down on something that is a little too hard
• Fillings that no longer support your tooth
• Cavities that have penetrated much of your tooth
• Bruxism due to stress or anxiety

Be sure to pay attention to the last two points, as these need to be checked out by your dentist as soon as possible. There are two basic types of tooth fractures, one is a surface crack, while the other is more severe. 

Types of Fractures

Surface Crack

These are also called crazed lines and are not considered serious. The cracks will only graze the outer layer of your tooth and won't have any depth. Your dentist may only need polish the area a bit, and you are done.

Severe Crack

These types of fractures can be troublesome because the crack can continue to spread and run deeper. You might experience some of the following if the crack is deep enough to expose nerves, blood vessels, or the dentin:

• Continuous pain or pain when you chew
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Be sure to talk to your dentist if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. He or she may have to use fillings or dental bonding to deal with this problem.

Dangers Of Neglecting a Cracked Tooth

You might not believe it, but cracked or fractured teeth appear to be the third leading cause of tooth loss. But tooth loss is not the only danger you face with a cracked tooth should you fail to treat it as soon as possible. The following are other possibilities:

• Part of the tooth could break off
• You may experience infections around the damaged tooth that might leave pus-like residue
• There is a chance you might expose your body to bacteria and get sick because the crack allows bacteria to easily enter your bloodstream

Now you know a little more about a fractured tooth and why it is important to talk to Richard M Holmes DMD PA or your local dentist as soon as you can to prevent serious problems.