Any part of a tooth can be cracked. The crack may be visible, though this is not always the case.

If a person experiences pain when chewing food, or if teeth suddenly become sensitive to hot and cold, one tooth may be a cracked.

Any pain associated with a cracked tooth tends to come and go. This can make it more challenging for a dentist to locate the crack, especially if it is very small.

Anyone who suspects that they have a cracked tooth should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated may lead to more problems, pain, and discomfort over time.

What are the symptoms?

A cracked tooth will not necessarily cause any symptoms. People often have cracked teeth without even realizing it.

Some types of cracks are harmless and do not require treatment.

However, if a person notices the following symptoms, they may have a more extensive type of crack that requires dental treatment:

• pain when eating, particularly when chewing or biting
• swollen gums around the cracked tooth
• teeth that have suddenly become sensitive to sweetness
• teeth that have suddenly become sensitive to hot or cold foods
• pain that tends to come and go
• discomfort around the teeth and gums that is hard to pinpoint

What might cause teeth to crack?

There are many different reasons why teeth can crack.

Causes of a cracked tooth include:

• biting down too hard on a piece of food
• excessive grinding of the teeth
• physical injury
• a large existing filling, which can weaken the remaining tooth structure

A sudden temperature change can also crack a tooth. For example, this could happen if a person burns their mouth while drinking tea, then drinks a glass of cold water to soothe the pain.

How are cracked teeth diagnosed?

A cracked tooth is not always simple to diagnose.

If the crack is not visible, at Vistasol Dental in Montebello, our dentist, Dr. Noushin Adhami will try to make a diagnosis by asking the person about their dental history and symptoms they are having.

She will then examine the teeth, possibly using a magnifying glass to help to identify cracks.

She may also use a pointed instrument called a dental explorer, which catches on any rough, cracked edges on the teeth’s surface.

A dental dye can also make cracks more visible.

During the examination, our dentist will check the gums for signs of inflammation because cracks in teeth tend to irritate the gums. We may also ask the person to bite down on something, to try and pinpoint the source of the pain.

We may take an X-ray of the teeth. X-rays do not always show where cracks have formed, but they can reveal problems in the pulp of the teeth. If the pulp of a tooth appears to be unhealthy, this can suggest a crack.

When should you see a dentist?

Anyone who suspects that they have a cracked tooth should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. It is especially important to do so when there are pain and discomfort.

In the meantime, the following home remedies can relieve uncomfortable symptoms:

• rinsing the mouth with warm water, to keep it clean
• taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen
• using a cold compress against the cheek to help reduce swelling

The longer that a cracked tooth goes untreated, the more difficult it may be for a dentist to save the tooth. Complications may also occur, such as infection.

Types of cracked tooth

Tooth cracks are more common in people over the age of 40, and women develop them more often than men.

Cracks can vary in length, depth, as the location on the tooth.

The smallest cracks are known as craze lines, and they develop within tooth enamel. A person is unlikely to notice a craze line, and no treatment is necessary unless it causes symptoms.

The following are other types of cracks in teeth:

• Oblique supragingival cracks. These only affect the crown and do not extend below the gum line. As a result, they are not usually very painful.
• Oblique subgingival cracks. These do extend below the gum line, and they can be painful. Treatment is necessary to expose the crown and restore the tooth.
• Split tooth. This crack splits the tooth in two. A dentist will likely only be able to save one part, which will usually be restored with a crown. A person may also need root canal treatment.
• Oblique root cracks. These cracks usually do not appear on the surface of the tooth. The damage occurs below the gum line, most commonly below the jawbone. Tooth extraction is often the only treatment for this type of crack.
• Fractured cusp. This occurs when a piece of the chewing surface of a tooth breaks. A fractured cusp is most common around a dental filling.
• Vertical apical root cracks. This type of crack begins at the root of the tooth and extends toward the crown. It may range in length, but the tooth will often have to be removed because of the pain.

Treatment options

The best treatment depends on the location of the crack and the extent of the damage.

If a crack is tiny and causes no discomfort, no treatment may be necessary.

Treatments for cracked teeth include:

• gluing on the chipped or broken part of a tooth
• repairing the crack with plastic resin, in a process called bonding
• using a filling
• using a crown, which is a cap that entirely covers the cracked tooth

In the most severe cases, when a crack has penetrated the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary. If a tooth is badly cracked, our dentist may remove it altogether.

If a tooth with a filling becomes cracked, Dr. Adhami may need to remove the filling to examine the damage more thoroughly.

Cracked teeth can cause complications, particularly if they are left untreated. For example, an infection may occur. Signs of infection include:

• increased pain
• swelling of the gums
• increased sensitivity to hot and cold
• bad breath
• sore neck glands

If the event of infection, pus may need to be drained, and a person may need to take antibiotics.

How can cracked teeth be prevented?

Cracked teeth are not always preventable, but a few strategies can help. These include:

• avoiding foods that are hard to chew, such as ice and unpopped popcorn kernels
• putting an end to habits that may damage the teeth, such as grinding or biting on pens
• trying not to clench the teeth
• wearing a mouthguard to protect the teeth while playing sports

If a person grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw in their sleep, they may wish to talk to our dentists about wearing a mouthguard at night.

You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Their sparkling smiles. Being able to chew for good nutrition. Avoiding toothaches and discomfort. And new research suggests that gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including increased risk of heart disease.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age. Here’s how:

1. Start children early. Despite great strides in decay prevention, one in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Dental care should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, usually around six months. Teeth can be wiped with a clean, damp cloth or a very soft brush. At about age 2, you can let kids try brushing for themselves — although it’s important to supervise.

2. Seal off trouble. Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to our dental team at Vistasol Dental for more information about dental sealant.

3. Use enough — but not too much — fluoride. The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water that is fluoridated. If your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dental professional, who may suggest putting a fluoride application on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. Fluoride should be used sparingly in young children — no more than a pea-sized dab on the toothbrush. Too much can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Gum disease and tooth decay remain big problems — and not just for older people. Three-fourths of teenagers have gums that bleed, according to the ADHA. Along with the basic advice, remember:
* Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year.
* Teenagers with braces may need to use special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools to brush their teeth. Talk to our dentist at Vistasol Dental in Montebello.
* Older people with arthritis or other problems may have trouble holding a toothbrush or using floss. Some people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush. Others simply put a bicycle grip or foam tube over the handle of a regular toothbrush to make it easier to hold.

5. Rinse or chew gum after meals. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid.

6. Block blows to teeth. Sports and recreational activities build healthy bodies, but they can pose a threat to teeth. Most school teams now require children to wear mouth guards. But remember: unsupervised recreational activities like skate-boarding and roller-blading can also result in injuries. At Vistasol Dental, our dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth guard.

7. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, consider quitting. Counsel your kids not to start.

8. Eat smart. At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods — including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products — will provide all the nutrients you need. Some researchers believe that omega-3 fats, the kind found in fish, may also reduce inflammation, thereby lowering risk of gum disease.

9. Avoid sugary foods. When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, opening the door to decay. “Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, pose a special threat because people tend to sip them, raising acid levels over a long period of time.

10. Make an appointment. Most experts recommend a dental check-up every 6 months more often if you have problems like gum disease. During a routine exam, our dentist may remove plaque build-up that you can’t brush or floss away and look for signs of decay. A regular dental exam also spots:

* Early signs of oral cancer. Nine out of 10 cases of oral cancer can be treated if found early enough. Undetected, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become harder to treat.
* Wear and tear from tooth grinding. Called bruxism, teeth grinding may be caused by stress or anxiety. Over time, it can wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. If your teeth show signs of bruxism, our dentist may recommend a mouth guard worn at night to prevent grinding.
* Signs of gum disease. Gum disease, also called gingivitis or periodontitis, is the leading cause of tooth loss in older people. Periodically, your dental professional should examine your gums for signs of trouble.
* Interactions with medications. Older patients, especially those on multiple medications, are at risk of dry mouth, or xerostomia. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of decay and gum problems. As many as 800 different drugs cause dry mouth as a side effect. Always tell your dental professional about any medications you take. A change in prescriptions may help alleviate the problem. Saliva-like oral mouthwashes are also available.

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It commonly occurs because of a film of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth – plaque; this is known as plaque-induced gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is more serious and can eventually lead to loss of teeth.

Gingivitis is a common type of periodontal disease.
A patient with gingivitis will have red and puffy gums, and they will most likely bleed when they brush their teeth. Generally, gingivitis resolves with good oral hygiene – longer and more frequent brushing, as well as flossing. Some people find that using an antiseptic mouthwash, alongside proper tooth brushing and flossing also helps.
In mild cases of gingivitis, patients may not even know they have it, because symptoms are mild. However, the condition should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

Types of gingivitis
There are two main categories of gingival diseases:
Dental plaque-induced gingival disease: this can be caused by plaque, systemic factors, medications, or malnutrition.
Non-plaque induced gingival lesions: this can be caused by a specific bacterium, virus, or fungus. It might also be caused by genetic factors, systemic conditions (including allergic reactions and certain illnesses), wounds, or reactions to foreign bodies (such as dentures). Alternatively, no cause might be found.

What causes gingivitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth; the plaque triggers an immune response, which, in turn, can eventually lead to the destruction of gingival (gum) tissue. It may also, eventually, lead to further complications, including the loss of teeth.
Dental plaque
Dental plaque is a biofilm that accumulates naturally on the teeth. It is usually formed by colonizing bacteria that are trying to stick to the smooth surface of a tooth. Some experts believe that these bacteria might help protect the mouth from the colonization of harmful microorganisms. However, dental plaque can also cause tooth decay, and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and chronic periodontitis, a gum infection.
When plaque is not removed adequately, it can harden into calculus (tartar – it has a yellow color) at the base of the teeth, near the gums. Calculus is harder to remove, and can only be removed professionally.
Plaque and tartar eventually irritate the gums, this eventually causes inflammation of the part of the gums around the base of the teeth. This means that the gums might easily bleed.

Other causes and risk factors
Changes in hormones – which may occur during puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. The gingiva might become more sensitive, raising the risk of inflammation.
Some diseases – such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV are linked to a higher risk of developing gingivitis.
Drugs – oral health may be affected by some medications, especially if saliva flow is reduced. Dilantin (anticonvulsant), and some anti-angina medications can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
Smoking – regular smokers more commonly develop gingivitis compared with non-smokers.
Age – the risk of gingivitis increases with age.
Poor diet – especially people with vitamin C deficiency.
Family history – experts say that people whose parent(s) has/had gingivitis, have a higher risk of developing it too. This is thought to be due to the type of bacteria we acquire during our early life.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis
In mild cases of gingivitis, there may be no discomfort or noticeable symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis might include:
* Gums are bright red or purple.
* Gums are tender and sometimes painful to the touch.
* Gums bleed easily when brushing teeth or flossing.
* Halitosis (bad breath).
* Inflammation (swollen gums).
* Receding gums.
* Soft gums.

Diagnosing gingivitis
At Vistasol dental Montebello, our dentist, Dr. Noushin Adhami will check for gingivitis symptoms, such as plaque and tartar in the oral cavity.
Checking for signs of periodontitis may also be recommended; this may be done by X-ray or periodontal probing (an instrument that measures pocket depths around a tooth).

Treatment options for gingivitis
If the patient is diagnosed early on, and treatment is prompt and proper, gingivitis can be successfully reversed.
Treatment involves care by a dental professional, and follow-up procedures carried out by the patient at home.
Gingivitis care with a dental professional:
Teeth before scaling and 9 days after.
Plaque and tartar are removed. This is known as scaling. Some patients may find scaling uncomfortable, especially if tartar build-up is extensive, or the gums are very sensitive.
The dental professional explains to the patient the importance of oral hygiene, and how to effectively brush their teeth and floss.
Periodically, they may follow up on the patient, with more frequent cleanings if necessary.
It is also important to fix teeth so that oral hygiene can be done effectively.
Some dental problems, such as crooked teeth, badly fitted crowns or bridges, may make it harder to properly remove plaque and tartar (they may also irritate the gums).
What the patient can do at home:
* Brush teeth at least twice a day.
* Bear in mind that in most cases, electric toothbrushes do a better job than we can do on our own.
* Floss teeth at least once a day.
* Regularly rinse mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash. Ask a dentist to recommend one.
*
Possible complications from gingivitis
In the vast majority of cases, if gingivitis is treated and the patient follows the dental health professional’s instructions, there are no complications. However, if the condition is left untreated, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth, and bones, leading to periodontitis.
Complications can include:
* Abscess in the gingiva.
* Abscess in the jaw bones.
* Infection in the jaw bone or gingiva.
* Periodontitis – this is a more serious condition that can lead to loss of teeth due to bone loss.
* Recurrent gingivitis.
* Trench mouth – ulceration of the gums caused by bacterial infection.
Several studies have linked gum diseases, such as periodontitis, to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack or stroke. Other reports have found an association with lung disease risk.

Cosmetic dentistry offers everything from teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers. Learn about your options here.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for celebrities and the wealthy patients. There’s now a wide variety of options and price ranges that put a better smile within reach for millions of people.
“Cosmetic dentistry has gone mainstream” says Noushin Adhami, Doctor of Dental Surgery at Vistasol dental in Montebello,Ca.
Just about every dentist does at least some cosmetic dentistry procedures these days.
From subtle changes to major oral surgery, there are a host of cosmetic dentistry techniques that can treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or missing.
So is cosmetic dentistry right for you? Here’s what you need to know before making the decision.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile.

“Recent advances in cosmetic dentistry allow dentists to offer everything from improved teeth whitening to translucent tooth coverings to complete smile makeovers,” says Dr. Adhami. Cosmetic dentistry has been around for decades, but the materials used today are more durable and natural looking than those used in the past.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), two-thirds of patients seeking cosmetic dentistry are female, and the average amount spent on cosmetic procedures by these patients in 2007 was a little less than $4,000. However, some cosmetic dentistry procedures can cost as little as $300.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures available, including:

* Teeth whitening. This procedure brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. Teeth whitening, or bleaching, can be done in a dentist’s office or at home with a system dispensed by the dentist. Over-the-counter teeth-whitening products are also available.
* Bonding. This can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces in between them, by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface.
* Veneers. These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.
* Tooth reshaping. This procedure involves changing the teeth to improve their appearance by modifying or removing enamel. Tooth reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is often combined with bonding.
* Crown lengthening . This can fix a “gummy” smile (where more gums than teeth are visible) or an uneven gum line by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s crown and give the appearance of longer teeth. This involves minor oral surgery.
* Smile makeovers. These procedures involve a comprehensive assessment of the overall appearance of the teeth and smile. Typically, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are required to overhaul the look of a patient’s smile. Think of it as a facelift for the mouth.
If you are interested to discuss your dental cosmetic goals, We at Vistasol Dental encourage you to call 323-346-0208 for making an appointment with our Cosmetic dentist.

cosmetic dental clinic patients smile