Are tiny cracks in my teeth a dental emergency?

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  1. Dr. Mehmet Oz
     
    Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:
    Hairline cracks in the teeth can indicate tooth grinding, the sleep disorder bruxism, or mental stress.
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  2. Dr. De Vizio
     
    Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:
    Tiny cracks in teeth are usually not a dental emergency unless they are causing pain. Although a small amount of pain might be tolerable, it can increase if the crack becomes  bigger. Cracks can also create places for bacteria to grow, causing a cavity. This is why seeing a dentist frequently is so important. The best way for a dentist to detect a crack is upon visual examination, since some cracks are not visible on X-rays.
    More Related Answers from Colgate
    Tiny cracks in teeth are usually not a dental emergency unless they are causing pain. Although a small amount of pain might be tolerable, it can increase if the crack becomes  bigger. Cracks can also create places for bacteria to grow, causing... More