You bite down and feel a sharp pain. But when you look in the mirror, nothing is visible. When you have an X-ray, it looks normal. Your dentist cannot find anything wrong. So why does your tooth hurt?

Cracked tooth syndrome is exactly what it sounds like: a crack in a tooth that does not show up on a normal X-ray and is often too small to see with the naked eye. The crack may be hairline, hiding under the gum or inside the tooth where no one can spot it.

This is one of the trickiest dental problems to diagnose — which is why it can take a while to figure out what is going on. The pain comes and goes, often triggered by chewing or biting on hard foods. Cold and hot drinks can also set it off.

The crack itself is often invisible. Standard dental X-rays do not always catch hairline fractures, especially if they are vertical or hidden under existing fillings or crowns.

Symptoms are also inconsistent. Some days the tooth feels fine. Other days, biting into something sends a sharp jolt through the whole side of your face. This unpredictability makes it hard to pinpoint which tooth is actually the culprit.

Your dentist may use a magnifying light, special dye, or a bite test — pressing on different parts of the tooth to find exactly where the pain comes from. Even then, finding the crack can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Teeth crack for several reasons. A large old filling weakens the structure over time. Grinding or clenching — especially at night — puts enormous pressure on teeth. Chewing on hard things like ice, boiled sweets, or popcorn kernels is a common trigger.

Teeth that have had root canal treatment are also more prone to cracking, since they lose moisture and become more brittle. That is why crowns are so important after root canal treatment — they hold the tooth together.

Age plays a role too. Cracked tooth syndrome is most common in people over 40, simply because teeth endure more wear and tear over the years.

Treatment depends on where the crack is and how deep it goes. If it is a small crack in the enamel, a bonding material or filling might be enough to seal it.

If the crack has reached the inner part of the tooth, you will likely need a crown. The crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading.

In severe cases — if the crack extends below the gum line or into the root — the tooth may need extracting. That is why catching it early gives you the best chance of keeping your natural tooth.

Do not ignore it. Even if the pain comes and goes, a tooth that hurts when you bite down is telling you something is wrong. The sooner it is diagnosed, the simpler the treatment is likely to be.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com

Meads Village Dental Practice