+ 1-614-974-2900 | Dentist in Reynoldsburg, OH | 6810 East Main Street | Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

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Whether a tooth has decay, has been weakened or was simply compromised in some way, teeth can break and crack. Cracked teeth may cause pain and sensitivity, if the crack is deep enough. In most cases, the crack will start out small and will eventually get larger as more pressure is applied to the tooth itself. Treating a cracked tooth is important and can help to prevent further damage to your smile.

What Can Cause a Cracked Tooth?

Many different factors can contribute to a cracked tooth. You might have bitten into a hard piece of food or had been chewing on ice. For some, they might have recently had a root canal, which automatically weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to breaking and cracking. Some of the reasons a tooth may crack include:

  • A tooth was recently root canaled
  •  You bit down into something hard (ice, pretzel)
  • A tooth has a large filling in it
  • You grind your teeth at night
  • You clench your teeth during the day

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Is a Cracked Tooth an Emergency?

Having a cracked tooth could be considered an emergency, especially if you’re experiencing pain and sensitivity to hot and cold liquids. Even if you’re not experiencing any type of discomfort or pain, it is still a good idea to make an appointment to come in for a checkup. Small cracks may be treated with simple filling material, but if the crack gets larger, a crown will need to be put into place and a root canal may be needed. If you’re experiencing severe pain and sensitivity that is getting in the way of you living your life, it is crucial that you make an appointment to be seen.

What Can Be Done for a Cracked Tooth?

For small cracks, filling or bonding material may be sufficient enough to prevent the crack from getting worse. Most teeth that have cracked will need to be crowned. This procedure involves removing most of the tooth’s structure and placing a custom-made crown on top to protect the rest of the tooth. It is important to note that there is such a thing as a craze line. These enamel-deep cracks run up and down certain teeth and are in no way a problem to your dental health. Craze lines are more of a cosmetic issue than anything that needs restoration.

Looking for an Emergency Dentist Near You?

If you think you may have a cracked tooth, call Dr. Hennawi’s Reynoldsburg office as soon as you can! At Stellar Dentistry, we strive to provide exceptional and personalized care for all of our patients and their families. 

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Snacking is an activity we all do and what we choose to snack on is important. Snacks that are full of sugar such as candy or cake may taste good, but are not good for our teeth. In addition to the sugar these types of snacks contain large amounts of fat. Sugary snacks if eaten regularly can cause tooth decay. At Stellar Dentistry in Reynoldsburg, OH we can help provide our patients with guidelines for healthy eating. Dr. Hennawi believes in promoting healthy choices in order to keep teeth free of harmful bacteria so please call us if you would like our insight on this!

How Can Sugary Snacks Impact My Teeth?

Our mouths contain bacteria, and this bacteria forms a sticky material called plaque. The plaque sticks on or in-between our teeth and this can cause decay. When sugary snacks are eaten the bacteria in the mouth gravitates towards the sugar, and turns the sugar into acids. This acid can damage the hard enamel that covers our teeth, and cause cavities to begin to develop. Staying away from snacks or foods filled with sugar can help keep the bacteria in your mouth from producing the acid that causes decay. 

How Should I Choose A Healthy Snack?

When you have that urge to snack take a minute to ask yourself if the snack you chose contains sugar. If it does, you may want to choose another snack that would be healthier for your teeth. Staying away from gooey sweets or snacks that are very chewy is a good rule of thumb. These types of snacks can stick to the surface of your teeth and take longer to remove, exposing your teeth to sugar longer. If you do choose to eat sweets, it may be best to save that type of snack for after a main meal instead of having that snack between meals.

Our dentist in Reynoldsburg, OH works to teach our pediatric and adult patients the benefits of healthy eating. Taking care of our oral health not only includes brushing or flossing, but it includes making healthy eating choices. Staying away from snacks full of sugar can help prevent cavities, and keep your teeth looking and feeling great. Brushing your teeth after eating a sweet with a fluoride toothpaste can remove any harmful bacteria that may cause cavities if left on our teeth.

What Types of Snacks Are a Good Choice?

There are many good tasting and healthy shacks on the market today that are less harmful to our teeth and body. Sticking to snacks that are lower in sugar can help protect our teeth from decay or other diseases. Choosing foods like fruits or vegetables, and crackers or bread are good choices. It may be helpful to make a healthy food list that you pick from when snacking or eating. This can help you make good choices and stay away from those harmful sugary foods.

Examples of Smart Food Choices That Are Less Likely to Cause Tooth Decay

Fresh Vegetables of Fruits

• Oranges
• Bananas
• Apples
• Grapefruit
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes

Grains

• Unsweetened cereals
• Popcorn
• Bread
• Bagels
• Pasta
• Crackers

Milk and Dairy Products

• Low or non-fat milk
• Low or non-fat cheese
• Low or non-fat yogurt

Meat, Nuts, Seeds

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Nuts

Looking For a Dentist Near You?

Many foods or snacks are harmful to our teeth and body. Our dentist cares about the overall health of each patient, and always promotes healthy snacking and eating. Checking the label and sugar content can help you make the right decision for healthy snacking. Choosing a variety of foods from the basic food groups can help you eat a balanced diet, and keep your teeth looking and feeling healthy. Brushing and flossing daily as well as attending your regular dental exams in our office can help keep your oral health in check. The Stellar Dentistry team works diligently to not only care for your teeth, but care for your overall health.

If you are looking for a dentist near you, our team is happy to help. To get more information or to schedule your dental exam, contact Dr. Hennawi in Reynoldsburg, OH and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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