Our teeth play a vital role in our daily lives, enabling us to eat, speak, and smile confidently. However, even if you happen to have strong teeth, no one is exempt from getting a cracked tooth. This month at Prime Smile, your local MA dentist is discussing three common causes of a cracked tooth and how to help prevent it from happening.
Biting Hard Objects
One of the primary causes of cracked teeth is biting down on hard objects such as ice, pens, or popcorn kernels. Our teeth are remarkably strong, but they do have limits. Applying excessive force or sudden pressure by using them as tools for chewing non-food items can lead to cracks.
To prevent this from happening, avoid using your teeth as tools. We know sometimes it may sound more convenient than looking for the proper tools, but resist the temptation to open packages or tear objects with your teeth. Look for scissors or other appropriate tools instead.
It’s also important to be cautious with hard foods. If you’re eating hard candies, ice cubes, or other foods that need force to break, allow them to dissolve or soften before biting into them.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, can exert immense pressure, causing cracks to develop over time. Many people unknowingly grind their teeth during sleep or due to stress.
To help protect your teeth, consider wearing a nightguard. If you’re prone to teeth grinding, consult your dentist about a custom-fitted nightguard. This device acts as a protective barrier, reducing the impact of grinding during sleep.
Temperature Extremes
Rapid changes in temperature can cause teeth to expand and contract, which may eventually lead to cracks. Drinking hot beverages and immediately consuming cold foods or drinks can expose your teeth to such extremes.
To prevent this, give hot drinks like coffee or tea a few minutes to cool down before sipping them. This gradual transition can reduce the risk of thermal stress on your teeth.
You should also refrain from consuming extremely cold or hot foods immediately after each other. Instead, introduce your teeth to moderate temperatures gradually.
Prime Smile | MA Dentist
Protecting your teeth from cracks takes a great deal of mindfulness and precaution, but with these in mind, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cracked tooth. It’s also vital to schedule regular dental checkups and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent these dental issues. For more information on scheduling an appointment with our team at Prime Smile, we encourage you to check out our website.
When you prioritize your dental health, your pearly whites will thank you for a lifetime of healthy smiles! We look forward to seeing you!
