A healthy mouth is important for a healthy body because poor oral health is linked to increased risks of various diseases. Most people see a dentist for preventative care like cleanings and X-rays, and many see a dentist for comprehensive and restorative care to treat problems, including fillings, root canals, crowns, or cosmetic dentistry. One of the issues a dentist can address is hairline cracks in teeth.
What Are Hairline Cracks in Teeth
Hairline cracks in teeth, also called craze lines, are minor and superficial cracks in the enamel. They don’t go past the enamel layer of the tooth into the dentin or pulp. While initially and generally not serious, over time, they can penetrate deeper into the tooth, leading to more serious tooth fractures. Tooth fractures go deeper and may reach the dentin layer of the tooth. Published studies have found widespread prevalence of hairline cracks in teeth.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing hairline cracks in teeth. These include age, chewing hard foods, ice, or biting on non-food items, rapid temperature changes in the mouth, such as eating something hot and then drinking something ice-cold, teeth grinding, stress, and dental restorations. Teeth with large fillings are more susceptible to developing cracks.
Can I See Hairline Cracks in Teeth
Because they are small and shallow, most people don’t notice hairline cracks in teeth unless they are looking closely in the mirror at their front teeth. Seeing them on the back teeth is nearly impossible. They may appear as faint white, gray, or brownish lines on the tooth enamel. Using a bright light and even magnification can help, but a dentist is best equipped to definitively diagnose them using specialized tools.
How to Tell if You Have Hairline Cracks in Teeth
There are several ways to tell if you have hairline cracks:
- You may experience a sharp pain when you bite down on food or when releasing the pressure after biting.
- You may experience sensitivity to temperature and sweetness.
- You may experience intermittent or throbbing pain.
- Even without pain, you might feel that something is a bit “off” or if your tooth feels different in your mouth.
If you suspect you have hairline cracks or experience pain, it is wise to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Diagnostic Methods
The diagnostic methods dentists will use start with a visual examination. They will look carefully for visible signs of cracks, craze lines, or areas where the enamel appears to be damaged. They may use a dental dye to make hairline cracks more visible. They may use a bite test, dental exploratory tools to detect cracks, or use X-rays and imaging.
Dental Repairs
Hairline cracks don’t heal on their own, and you can’t fix them at home. For minor hairline cracks in teeth, a dentist may use dental bonding using a composite resin that is applied directly to the crack, shaped to match the contour of the tooth, and then hardened with a curing light. They can also apply a dental veneer to the front of the tooth.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd. In Mt. Pleasant. S.C. for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.