What should I avoid if I have a cracked tooth?

If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, call your dentist right away. Treatment options depend on the size and location of the crack. In the meantime, be careful! A cracked tooth hurts because the pressure of biting down can cause the crack to open! If you have pain, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until your dentist can examine you.

If you have a cracked tooth, you should avoid biting or chewing on any hard objects or food such as ice, nuts, or hard candy. You should also avoid extreme temperature changes, such as eating something hot and then drinking ice water. Also, you may be sensitive to hot or cold foods, so you may need to avoid drinking hot or iced beverages or eating frozen foods. Also, if you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, talk to your dentist about how you can avoid having this habit cause further damage to your teeth.