Hello doctor, While looking at my teeth the other day, I noticed what looked like cracks in my molar teeth  (2nd from the back) on either side. Recently, I went to the dentist for a cleaning and also was complaining about sensitive teeth to both hot and cold. On both these teeth, I have a bit of receding gums. Although the dentist did not find any cavities, he could not be sure if I needed a root canal treatment and referred me to an endodontist. The endodontist determined that there was not any infection in my gums or teeth and said I did not need a root canal treatment. But he did suggested me to wear a mouthguard at night. I told him I noticed sometimes that I clench my jaw, especially at night. He also suggested a mouth guard because, the dentin is wearing away on some of the molars, the gums are receding and there are little periodontal pockets forming in those teeth. These cracks in my teeth are vertical, straight lines. They do not look jagged like a crack in the sidewalk. They are dark in color and very thin. It looks like a small piece of hair is stuck in the tooth. I have one on my right side tooth that is on the front facing part of my molar, and may be two on the left molar but facing towards the back of my mouth. When scratching my fingernail over the surface of the vertical line, it is difficult to tell if there is even a difference in the surface texture. I do not know if these lines appear inside my teeth or on the surface. The endodontist did not say anything about these. It is hard to believe he missed them considering I saw them with my naked eye and he was wearing a microscope on his forehead and eyes. Maybe, are they normal and not worth mentioning? The reason I am asking is that the endodontist said that people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw can develop small fractures in their teeth and over time, would cause the need for a root canal. What could this be?
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