Wondering whether there is anything you can do to avoid getting a cracked tooth? Read on to learn about what habits can lead to cracking a tooth. Some instances of cracked teeth are simply unpreventable, such as enduring a blow to the mouth during a car accident or from a hard and unavoidable fall. However, there are certain habits that increase the likelihood of a cracked tooth, and understanding them can help you take precautions to prevent damage from occurring to your teeth.
The most notable causes of a cracked tooth are bruxism, chewing on ice and other hard objects, and taking part in physically-demanding activities without a mouthguard. Poor oral hygiene and a diet that is high in sugar and other carbs can increase the risk of a cracked tooth as well.
Bruxism is the technical term for grinding teeth while asleep. This is done without the person realizing that they are doing it. Individuals with high levels of stress or that have obstructive sleep apnea are at an increased risk of bruxism, but it can happen to anyone. The best way to prevent bruxism from causing cracked teeth is to wear a nightguard specifically designed for bruxism. Most dentists offer customized nightguards for patients that show signs of bruxism.
Ice and hard candies are leading causes of cracked teeth as well. It may seem harmless, but biting down on hard objects can lead to a sudden and unexpected cracked tooth. Other causes of cracked teeth include hard cough drops, hard meats with bones, and biting nails.
Another common cause of cracked teeth is a blow to the face. This commonly occurs as a result of accidents during physical activity, especially contact sports. Consequently, anyone who plays a contact sport should wear a mouthguard during practices and games. Popular sports that carry a high risk of a blow to the face include football, baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, and basketball. Of course, there are many other activities that can also cause trauma to the teeth and jaw.
Poor oral hygiene practices can weaken enamel, which consequently increases the risk of a cracked tooth (or other forms of tooth damage). It is important to keep the enamel clean and strong by strengthening it with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, along with flossing to remove bacteria and food particles between teeth.
Foods that are high in sugar, starch, and other carbohydrates can also contribute to weakened enamel and a higher risk of a cracked tooth. Commonly consumed foods that are bad for tooth enamel include citrus fruits, sugar-filled snacks, and soft drinks.
Here at our dental office, we help patients with the prevention of oral health concerns such as a cracked tooth, along with treating damaged teeth if incidents do occur. If you are searching for a reputable and experienced dentist in the area, then we invite you to contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth in Bowie, MD.
Wondering how to repair a broken tooth? Anytime someone experiences damage to one or more of their teeth, professional dental treatment is often necessary. Saving a broken tooth is possible and is preferred over losing it.Understanding how someone can experience a broken tooth is necessary, as this information will help prevent it from reoccurring. Additionally,…
A chipped tooth counts as a dental emergency when the damage is extensive enough to leave the tooth's pulp chamber compromised. Such injuries often come with inflammation, bleeding, tenderness and excruciating toothaches.The pulp chamber houses a tooth's blood vessels and nerves, so damage to it leaves these soft tissues vulnerable to infection. Irritants in the…
Dental crowns can treat many different concerns. They can repair damaged teeth, attach to dental implants for teeth replacement, and more. Two of the main types of dental crowns are metal and porcelain crowns. Both are effective solutions, but one may be preferable to another depending on the intended purpose.Your dentist should help you decide…
When a tooth needs to be restored, a dental crown is usually a great option. Restoring a tooth to good form involves the preparation of the tooth for the placement of the crown. Getting a crown is usually recommended because it can help restore your tooth to its normal shape, function, and look. Read on…
Looking for more info on implant-supported dentures? If you are wondering which type of dentures…
Learn if you can drink coffee when wearing Invisalign clear aligners. There are rules to…
Dental crowns, also called dental caps, are dental restorations that are placed over existing teeth…
However, patients also need to be cautious when cleaning and flossing their teeth to avoid…
Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures…
Professional teeth whitening treatments are the ideal way to get teeth whitened and they lead…
