Frequently Asked Questions

Cracked Teeth / Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Date Posted: 3/21/2007

Question Why does a cracked tooth hurt?

Answer The crack will expose the inside of the tooth (the 'dentine') that has very small fluid filled tubes that lead to the nerve ('pulp'). Flexing of the tooth opens the crack and causes movement of the fluid within the tubes. When you let the biting pressure off the crack closes and the fluid pressure simulates the nerve and causes pain.

More questions in this category:

Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
How can I prevent my teeth from fracturing?
How does the dentist treat a cracked tooth?
Will my tooth become better?
What type of forces cause teeth to crack?