The process of identifying a cracked tooth on your own may be challenging. It is not uncommon for there to be a vertical hairline fracture that is almost invisible to the naked eye. It is even possible to miss these tiny cracks on X-rays in some cases. A cracked tooth can cause pain when biting or chewing, although you might not feel it every time you eat. You may only experience it when you eat certain foods or bite down in a certain manner. The pain of a cracked tooth is sporadic, unlike that of a cavity or an abscess. The chances of you having a fractured tooth are higher if you are not experiencing chronic pain.   Taking a bite of hot food or drinking a cold beverage may cause you to feel pain. There is also a possibility that you will experience sensitivity when eating sticky, sweet, or sour foods as well. When sensitivity increases, it may be a sign of a cracked tooth.   Cracked teeth can sometimes lead to gum infections in the area around the fracture. There would be a small bump on the gum near the tooth if you had this infection.   You can usually detect decay in a cavity. It is possible to see dark spots on the surface of the tooth or holes where the enamel has worn away. It may be an indication of a cracked tooth if you experience tooth pain without seeing any obvious signs.