If you’ve been noticing that your teeth have been chipping more than usual, you’re not alone. Many people face the same issue. We will talk about the six common reasons for cracked teeth and what you can do about it. By understanding the root cause of the problem, you can make some changes and keep your smile looking its best.
If you have noticed recent chipping on your teeth, it may not be too late to find help from a restorative dentist to help assess your situation and find the right course of action for your condition. Restorative dentistry uses treatments that aim to preserve your natural teeth.
Hard foods like crunchy chips or hard candy can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and cause them to break. Hard foods can even include ones that are good for you, like raw carrots and nuts. But your teeth can’t make out the difference between nutritious hard food or hard junk food. The trick is to get those same nutrients from a different food source.
For example, if you like to munch on nuts that are nutritious and high in protein, try switching to a nut butter that you can spread on whole-grain toast. This will give you the same nutrient benefits as nuts while being easier on your teeth.
On the other hand, if you’re munching on hard sugary foods like candy, we are not suggesting you give up your sweet treats altogether. Instead, swap out things like hard candy for something softer and sweeter such as a piece of fruit or a soft chocolate bar. These will still give you the sugar fix you’re looking for without adding further stress to your teeth.
Brushing your teeth too hard causes the gums to become inflamed, leading to tooth decay. As the enamel starts wearing away, your teeth become weaker and more sensitive to breaking.
Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle circular motions. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, make sure the intensity is set low. If you have sensitive gums, apply gentle pressure as you brush over them.
If brushing hard is a habit for you, be conscious of how you move your arm and apply the bristles over your teeth. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of self-awareness to ease up the pressure.
Brushing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria, both of which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is the gooey, sticky deposit that builds upon the surface and can lead to cavities if not brushed away. Plaque can also cause the gums to become inflamed, red, and swollen. Bacteria affect your teeth by producing acids that can break down the hard outer surface of your teeth and expose them to cavities.
Both plaque and bacteria are two harmful substances that can accumulate on your teeth if you are not brushing enough. Over time, these substances will damage your teeth, causing them to chip or break down completely.
Brushing can only do so much when it comes to oral hygiene, and it cannot get to the areas in between your teeth where plaque and bacteria tend to accumulate the most. Flossing helps to remove food particles where a toothbrush cannot reach. If those bits of food stay on your teeth too long, they can start to ferment and change the composition of your tooth structure. Bacteria in the mouth can eat away at the tooth enamel, which then can cause cracking. Bacteria can also eat away at the gums, leading to gum disease.
We’ve all heard about the adverse health effects of sugary drinks like soda, fruit juice, and others. On top of their high sugar content, which is terrible for your overall health, these drinks have acids in them that wear out the enamel. And as mentioned, enamel functions as an outer protective layer for a tooth. Without this protection, acids and sugars build up, feeding gum-eating bacteria and producing more plaque. If you are drinking sweetened beverages regularly, you are putting your teeth at risk for serious damage, including chipping.
It is vital to recognize the dangers of drinking too many sugary drinks. Choose healthier options instead, like water, unsweetened tea, and coffee. Limit your intake of sweet beverages and brush your teeth right afterward so that you remove plaque and bacteria.
Many people think that it’s just the unlucky few who struggle with a chipped tooth. But in reality, there are many reasons why your teeth may be chipping. You might not be as diligent as you think with brushing and flossing, or you could be eating the wrong foods that put too much pressure on your teeth and weaken your enamel. It could also be a medical condition like tooth decay or gum disease. In either case, it’s essential to consult with your dentist, who can help you figure out what’s going on and find a treatment to protect your teeth for good.
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Evergreen Dental Care
937 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 285-0285
