That sudden zing of pain when you bite down.
A sharp twinge with cold water.
A tooth that just doesn’t “feel right.”
If you’re dealing with a toothache that seems to come and go (or pain that flares when chewing) you may be experiencing symptoms of a cracked tooth. Understanding cracked tooth toothache can help you get the right care quickly and prevent the problem from getting worse.
Cracked teeth are more common than most people realize, and even a tiny fracture can cause significant discomfort. The tricky part? Sometimes the pain is subtle or inconsistent, making cracked teeth one of the more easily overlooked dental issues.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What a cracked tooth is
- Why cracks can lead to toothache
- Common causes of cracked teeth
- Symptoms to watch for
- When you should see a dentist and how Forest Hills Dental can help
Let’s break down what’s really going on when a tooth looks fine on the outside…but hurts anyway.
What is a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth happens when the hard outer enamel breaks, allowing a fissure or fracture to form. These cracks can be:
- Tiny surface lines (often harmless)
- Deeper cracks reaching the inner dentin
- Serious fractures extending into the root
Sometimes the crack is so small you can’t see it (even on an X-ray) but you’ll feel it when you chew or drink something cold.
Common places cracks appear:
- Molars, because they handle most chewing pressure
- Teeth with large fillings or previous dental work
- Front teeth, especially after trauma or biting something hard
It’s also normal for a cracked tooth to become more painful over time. Without treatment, cracks can spread and eventually affect the tooth pulp (the nerve inside), which can lead to more severe pain or infection.
Important note: Cracked teeth don’t heal on their own. Unlike bone, tooth enamel can’t repair itself once it’s fractured, so early diagnosis and treatment make a huge difference.
Why Does a Cracked Tooth Cause a Toothache?
So why does a crack, even a tiny one, hurt so much?
Inside every tooth, there’s a soft center called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the enamel (the outer shell) cracks, pressure from chewing or temperature changes can travel deeper into the tooth. This irritates the pulp and triggers that sharp, sudden discomfort.
A cracked tooth can cause pain because:
- Movement in the cracked pieces irritates the nerve
- Bacteria can enter the crack, leading to inflammation or infection
- Hot, cold, or sweet foods reach sensitive inner layers
- Pressure on the tooth spreads unevenly, causing sharp pain on release
Many people with cracked teeth notice:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Pain that stops quickly after you release pressure
- Sensitivity to cold or heat
- A toothache that comes and goes, not constant
In fact, cracked teeth can sometimes mimic sinus issues or other types of toothache, which makes professional evaluation important. If ignored, the crack can widen, the nerve may become infected, and treatment can become more complex.
Early care = less pain, better outcomes, and more conservative treatment options.
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Common Causes of a Cracked Tooth (and Toothache)
Cracked teeth can happen for many reasons, some obvious, others completely accidental. Understanding what leads to tooth cracks can help you protect your smile and avoid future pain.
Here are the most common causes:
Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Nighttime grinding can place a significant amount of pressure on teeth, sometimes up to several hundred pounds. Over time, this stress can weaken enamel and create hairline cracks.
If you wake up with a sore jaw or chipped enamel, a night guard might be a smart preventive step.
Biting Hard Foods
Popcorn kernels, ice, hard candy, olive pits; one wrong bite can be all it takes. Our teeth are strong, but they’re not invincible.
Tip: If it “crunches like a rock,” think twice before biting down hard.
Large Fillings or Weakened Teeth
Teeth with large, older fillings or past dental work have less natural structure, making them more prone to cracking, especially under chewing pressure.
Sudden Temperature Changes
Ever taken a hot sip of coffee and immediately followed it with ice water? Sudden temperature shifts can make enamel expand and contract, increasing the risk of cracks over time.
Trauma or Injury
Falls, sports impacts, accidents — a direct hit to the face or jaw can fracture a tooth instantly or weaken it so a crack develops later.
(If you play sports without a mouthguard… consider this your friendly reminder!)
Age & Natural Wear
Teeth go through a lifetime of chewing, grinding, and temperature changes. It’s no surprise that cracked teeth are more common in adults over 40, especially in molars.
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
Cracked teeth don’t always announce themselves loudly. Sometimes the symptoms are obvious… other times, they’re subtle and come and go. Paying attention to these early signs can help you get care before the problem gets worse.
Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
Sharp Pain When Biting or Chewing
A sudden jolt of pain when you bite down or when you release pressure is a classic cracked-tooth symptom. Many patients describe it as “a quick zap” or a feeling like the tooth suddenly shifts.
Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods
If ice water, hot soup, or even sweet foods make your tooth ache, a crack may be exposing sensitive inner layers.
Pain That Comes and Goes
Unlike a cavity or infection, cracked-tooth pain often isn’t constant. It may flare during meals, then disappear… only to return when you least expect it.
Intermittent pain is a red flag dentists take seriously.
Feeling Pressure or “Something Off”
Sometimes you won’t feel sharp pain, just a sense that the tooth doesn’t feel normal when you chew or bite.
Trust your instincts! If something feels “off,” it’s worth checking.
Swelling or Tender Gums Near One Tooth
If bacteria enter the crack, the area around the tooth may become swollen or irritated. This can signal inflammation or early infection.
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When to Seek Dental Help at Forest Hills Dental
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, especially sharp or intermittent discomfort when chewing, it’s a good idea to get evaluated as soon as possible. Cracked teeth won’t heal on their own, and waiting can allow the crack to spread or the nerve to become infected, leading to more complex treatment.
When to call a dentist right away:
- You feel sharp pain when biting
- Your toothache comes and goes
- You notice new temperature sensitivity
- The tooth feels “different” or unstable
- There’s swelling around a tooth
- You chipped or injured a tooth recently
Even if the pain is mild or occasional, it’s still worth getting checked. Cracks often start small and get worse with time, and catching them early means more treatment options and better long-term results.
What to expect at your visit
At Forest Hills Dental, we use modern diagnostic tools and a gentle approach to check for:
- Hairline cracks
- Bite-related stress points
- Nerve sensitivity or inflammation
- Hidden fractures beneath the surface
Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may include:
- Bonding to stabilize the tooth
- A dental crown to protect and strengthen it
- Root canal therapy if the nerve is affected
- In rare cases, tooth extraction if the crack is severe
Our goal is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible and relieve your discomfort quickly and comfortably.
How to Prevent Cracked Teeth & Toothache
While not every cracked tooth can be avoided (life happens!), a few smart habits go a long way in keeping your teeth strong and pain-free.
Protect Teeth from Grinding
If you grind or clench at night, talk to us about a custom night guard. It cushions your teeth and prevents stress fractures before they start.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Try to steer clear of:
- Ice cubes
- Hard candies
- Popcorn kernels
- Pens or fingernails (we’ve all been there)
Your teeth are strong, but they shouldn’t be used like construction tools.
Care for Restored Teeth
If you have teeth with large fillings or older restorations, keep an eye on them. They can weaken over time and benefit from protective treatments, such as crowns.
Regular check-ups help us spot tiny cracks before they turn into bigger problems.
Watch Sudden Temperature Changes
Extreme hot-to-cold switches (like piping hot coffee followed by ice water) can stress enamel over time. Try to give your teeth a moment to adjust when enjoying temperature-contrast foods.
Keep Up with Routine Dental Visits
Professional exams and cleanings let us:
- Catch cracks early
- Strengthen enamel
- Keep gums healthy
- Monitor wear and bite alignment
Think of it like routine maintenance for your smile. Small visits now prevent bigger repairs later.
Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain! We’re Here to Help
A cracked tooth can start as a little twinge and quickly turn into a stubborn, frustrating toothache. The sooner you understand what’s going on and get gentle, professional care, the easier it is to protect your tooth and relieve your pain.
If you’ve noticed sharp pain when you bite, temperature sensitivity, or a tooth that just “feels off,” trust your instincts. These symptoms are common signs of a cracked tooth, and early care can make all the difference.
At Forest Hills Dental, we’re here to help you get answers, feel comfortable, and protect your smile. Our experienced team will take the time to evaluate your tooth, explain what’s happening, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
Take the first step toward relief
If you’re dealing with a toothache or think you might have a cracked tooth, schedule an exam today. We’ll take great care of you and help you feel comfortable again as soon as possible.
Call us: (718) 550-0590
Book online: HERE
Your smile deserves attention, and we’re here when you need us.