Craze Lines vs Cracked Tooth: How To Tell the Difference in Kids Teeth
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry: Your dedicated pediatric dentists in McKinney, TX
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Has your child come to you saying their tooth hurts, or have you noticed faint lines on their teeth?
Sometimes, these lines are harmless craze lines, but other times, they may signal a cracked tooth that requires treatment. Knowing the difference can help you respond quickly and protect your child’s smile.
In this blog, you will learn how to identify craze lines vs. cracked teeth, the causes behind these conditions, and how to prevent and treat tooth injuries effectively.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Craze lines are thin, superficial cracks on the tooth surface that are mainly cosmetic and do not require treatment. Cracked teeth, on the other hand, involve deeper damage, causing pain and sensitivity, and often need professional dental treatment to restore their structure and function.
Why Are Kids Prone to Tooth Injuries?
From playing sports to biting into hard snacks, kids put their teeth under constant pressure.
Teeth grinding at night or chewing on non-food items like pens or bottle caps can add stress to the structure of the tooth.
Falls or accidents during outdoor play can result in damage to the tooth enamel—the outermost layer of the tooth—and lead to visible craze lines or cracked teeth.
Craze Lines vs. Cracked Teeth
Craze lines are superficial cracks that appear as vertical lines on the enamel.
They are often caused by normal wear over time, chewing hard foods, or minor trauma. The appearance of craze lines does not typically indicate a serious dental issue. They may cause cosmetic concerns, but they rarely require medical treatment.
Cracked teeth involve a deeper break in the structure of the tooth and can lead to pain, sensitivity, or swelling.
Cracks can range from minor fractures, like hairline cracks, to severe issues such as a fractured cusp or even a split tooth.
Cracked teeth impact the entire tooth and usually require immediate dental care.
| Know The Difference Craze lines: These appear as shallow, visible lines on the surface of teeth. They usually do not cause pain or sensitivity.Cracked teeth: Signs include pain when chewing, sensitivity to cold foods, or visible breaks. In severe cases, the tooth may feel loose and swelling can occur in the surrounding gum tissue. |
If your child complains about discomfort, or you notice changes in their chewing habits, it is important to consult a pediatric dentist.
Treatment Options for Craze Lines and Cracked Teeth
The treatment for these conditions requires different approaches.
Craze lines are considered cosmetic imperfections and can be treated with professional teeth whitening, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers. These cosmetic solutions restore the appearance of the tooth without invasive procedures.
Treatment for cracked teeth will depend on the type of crack.
- Minor cracks or hairline fractures: These can often be repaired with dental bonding or a tooth-colored composite resin.
- Fractured cusp or split tooth: Severe cracks may require crowns, root canals, or even extraction if the tooth structure is beyond repair.
- Vertical root fracture: This type of crack usually requires the tooth to be removed to prevent further damage or infection.
A note to parents: If your child has an accident causing trauma to their mouth it is important to assess the extent of the injury with a Doctor. The tooth may be visibly cracked as well as the roots beneath the bone. If the protective outer layer of the enamel is fractured off, the underlying porous “soft” layer exposes the nerve of the tooth to bacterial invasion and abscess over time. An accident which causes the tooth to crack often paralyzes the nerve, and it is common for the tooth to have very little pain associated with it. This numbness may continue for weeks, so it is very important to have it properly evaluated and repaired early to save the tooth.
Preventing Tooth Injuries in Kids
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your child’s teeth.
Encourage your child to avoid chewing on ice cubes, nail-biting, or using teeth to open non-food items.
For kids involved in sports or athletic events, a custom-made mouthguard is a must to protect against dental trauma. Night guards are also helpful for children who grind their teeth at night.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental exams to prevent cracks from developing due to weakened enamel or tooth decay.
FAQs About Tooth Injuries
Craze lines are typically limited to the enamel and rarely progress into deeper cracks, but weak enamel and bad habits can increase the risk.
Not always. Depending on the severity, cracked teeth can often be saved with dental bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy.
This situation requires immediate dental attention. Your dentist will determine whether the tooth can be saved or if extraction is necessary.
Yes, teeth grinding puts extra stress on the enamel and can lead to hairline cracks, fractured cusps, or more severe tooth cracks over time.
Trust the Experts at Lonestar Dental
At Lonestar Dental, we have the expertise to handle everything from visible craze lines to complex dental emergencies.
If you are searching for a pediatric dentist accepting new patients, we can help! To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX.