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Posted on 4/30/2019 by Jasmine Marshall |
If you smiled in the mirror this morning, and you notice that one of your teeth is cracked a little. You may think to yourself that it is no big deal, that other people probably cannot even see it. However, a crack in a tooth is not just a crack, and it isn't going to go away on its own. It will need some attention from a dentist. While it is not safe to ignore a crack, you may need to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Not sure what that means? Keep reading for more information about cracked teeth. The Problem with a Cracked ToothThe problem with a crack in your tooth is that bacteria can invade the crack, which can cause larger issues with your oral health as well as your overall health. For example, a cracked tooth can cause an infection in your mouth. That infection can spread to other parts of your body. In fact, bacteria from mouths have been researched as the cause of some forms of heart disease and stroke. Poor oral hygiene can also worsen the conditions of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. If it is a small crack, that doesn't extend into the root, you can wait a little while to get it treated- just don't wait too long. If the crack extends to the root, you will need to be seen more quickly, because your tooth could be permanently damaged. If part of your tooth is fractured, such as a fracture close to the gumline, or a tooth that is loose, you will need to be seen quickly. If you think you may have a crack in your tooth, why not give us a call? We can schedule you an appointment to have a look at those pearly whites of yours. |