Can a Cracked Tooth Cause Jaw Pain? Symptoms and Treatment Guide

Yes, a cracked tooth can cause jaw pain. When a fracture extends toward the root or into the jawbone, the resulting inflammation can radiate, making it feel as though the pain is coming from your jaw. If you suspect you are experiencing cracked tooth jaw pain, it is time to give your dentist a call and make an appointment. More professionals across the world trust Colgate. Find resources, products, and information to give your patients a healthier future.

What Causes Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), there are many different causes and types of cracks that can occur in your teeth. It is important to note that cracked tooth syndrome is common, and its causes are often accidental, not due to a lack of proper oral hygiene or habits. Common triggers include:

• Injuries to the mouth or biting down on hard food.
• Natural wear and tear due to aging.
• Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism), which can exert significant force on the enamel.
• Abrupt temperature changes, such as consuming ice water after hot food.

Identifying Symptoms

Tooth fissure pain may come and go depending on what movement or outside factor is triggering it, making it difficult to identify which tooth is suffering. Common symptoms include:

• Pain when chewing or “rebound pain” when you release the pressure from biting down.
• Sensitivity to extreme hot or cold temperatures, as well as sweetness.
• Erratic pain that only occurs when you’re aggravating the cracked tooth.
• Swelling of the gum around the cracked tooth, which may indicate an underlying infection.
• If it goes on too long, you’ll find the pain no longer comes and goes but hurts consistently.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of crack, its location, and the extent of the damage. Options for how to treat a cracked tooth include:

• Fillings or Crowns: A cracked tooth may be repaired by a filling or a crown depending on what portion of the tooth is damaged.
• Root Canal: A root canal treatment procedure may treat the tooth if the pulp is affected. Note that teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are structurally weaker than intact teeth.
• Extraction: The tooth may be extracted if the cracks are below the gumline or if the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised beyond repair.

Prevention

You cannot fix cracks on your own, but you can prevent them by wearing a mouthguard during contact sports or using a retainer/mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Use common sense when eating hard foods like nuts or popcorn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cracked tooth cause jaw pain?

Yes, if the crack affects the root of the tooth in the jaw, it can cause significant jaw pain. See your dentist immediately if you experience this.

What should I do while waiting for my appointment?

You can relieve pain by biting on a clean, moist gauze or cloth. Never use topical oral pain medications, ointments, or place aspirin on the affected area.

Why is it hard to diagnose a cracked tooth?

Microfractures are often too small to be seen by the naked eye and may require a cracked tooth xray or specialized transillumination to confirm.

Are all cracks treated the same way?

No. Treatment is highly dependent on the severity and location of the crack, ranging from simple fillings to extractions.