A cracked tooth not only mars your smile but also compromises the functionality of your teeth. Whether it’s minor discomfort or difficulty chewing, cracked teeth can pose significant issues. Fortunately, you can avoid such damage by understanding its causes. Here are the common reasons for tooth cracks and how to prevent them:
- Chewing Hard Foods
Despite their strength, teeth are not impervious to damage. To prevent cracks, limit your consumption of hard foods like nuts, ice, or popcorn kernels. These items can exert excessive pressure on your teeth, leading to cracks or fractures.
- Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often occurs unconsciously during sleep. Over time, this habit can wear down the enamel, resulting in stress fractures or craze lines. Combat bruxism by wearing a night guard, which acts as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
- Natural Aging
As you age, your teeth undergo wear and tear. While aging is inevitable, you can mitigate its impact on your oral health. Cracked teeth are prevalent among individuals over 50 due to decades of daily use. Maintain robust oral hygiene practices and visit your dentist regularly to minimize the effects of aging on your teeth.
- Trauma to the Mouth
Accidental injuries, such as those sustained during vehicle accidents or sports collisions, can cause significant damage to your teeth. While such incidents are often unavoidable, you can reduce the risk of tooth cracks by wearing a mouthguard during contact sports.
Untreated cracked teeth are a leading cause of tooth loss. To maintain strong and healthy teeth, take preventive measures to avoid injuries. However, if you do experience a cracked or chipped tooth, our team at Sweet Spot Dental is here to restore your dental health.
For further information or to schedule your next appointment, contact our office today. Your smile deserves the best care!
Sweet Spot Dental
Phone: (617) 945-1974
Url: https://sweetspotdental.com/
763 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 1
Cambridge, MA 02139
