Craze Lines Vs. Cracks

In general, teeth are very sturdy, holding up under pressures you cannot begin to imagine. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, so the expectation is that if you take good care of your teeth, they will take good care of you. Still, for all their strength, there are situations other than decay in which tooth enamel can become damaged. Sometimes the damage is serious, as in the case of a cracked tooth, and sometimes it is superficial. Crazing is in this category.

Craze Lines

Crazing is most common in older adults. It shows up as vertical lines in the tooth enamel. These lines are superficial and look like hairline cracks. They can be translucent or, if stained, may look gray, yellow or brown.

Usually, craze lines are not noticeable. If you smoke or chew tobacco or drink dark colored beverages such as red wine, coffee, tea or soda on a regular basis, and have craze lines, they may be more visible.
Common causes of crazing include:

• General wear and tear
• Uneven bite
• Chewing on hard objects like ice
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Long-term habits like nail biting
• Injury or trauma to the teeth

Treatment for a crazed tooth is different from that of a cracked tooth in most instances. Usually, a tooth with craze lines does not have symptoms like those of a cracked tooth. Crazing seldom leads to cracks but it could make the tooth more vulnerable to decay. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can avoid this.

The Cracked Tooth

When a tooth is cracked, you will most likely have symptoms. You may feel pain or sensitivity when biting down on the tooth or when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or beverages. A cracked tooth needs immediate attention. If it is not treated, it could lead to infection and/or tooth loss.

A cracked tooth can occur at any age and may be caused by:

• Pressure from grinding your teeth
• Very large fillings
• Chewing or biting on hard foods or objects
• Trauma

Technically, craze lines are also considered cracks, though they are superficial. Serious cracks include fractures of the tooth that extend further into the softer tissues of the tooth. If the crack is above the gum line, the tooth may be salvagable. If it extends below the gum line, the tooth will probably need to be removed.

Sacramento Emergency Dentist is available when you have a dental emergency. Call us to schedule an appointment when you experience tooth pain. Prevent a bad situation from getting worse with a visit to your emergency dentist.