A cracked tooth may hurt because the pressure of biting causes the crack to open. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and a sharp pain results as the crack quickly closes. Even though the crack may be microscopic, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated.
What does a cracked tooth pain feel like?
Typically, cracked teeth will cause pain with biting pressure and pain during chewing (especially upon release), as well as sensitivity to heat or cold. Pain may come and go; in some cases, you may experience hardly any pain at all.
What can you do for a cracked tooth?
What to do if you have a fractured tooth
- Immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Call your dentist right away.
- See your dentist (or visit an emergency clinic) as soon as possible for emergency treatment.
- Put cold compresses on the face to keep swelling down.
- Avoid chewing with the affected tooth.
