Preventing Cracked Teeth: Tips from Lakeland Family Dental
A cracked tooth can not only affect the appearance of your smile but also hinder the function of your teeth. Depending on the severity, you may experience discomfort or difficulty in chewing comfortably. Fortunately, you can avoid damage to your teeth by understanding its common causes. Here, Lakeland Family Dental has gathered the top reasons for cracked teeth and how to prevent them.
Chewing Hard Foods
While healthy teeth are strong, they are not indestructible. Avoid or limit chewing on hard foods such as nuts, ice, or popcorn kernels, as these can lead to cracks in your teeth.
Grinding Your Teeth at Night
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often occurs without your knowledge, especially during sleep. Over time, grinding can damage your enamel, causing stress fractures or craze lines. Combat this issue by wearing a night guard, which acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting them from wear.
Natural Aging
As you age, so do your teeth. While aging is inevitable, you can limit its impact on your oral health. Cracked teeth are commonly found in people over the age of 50 due to a lifetime of daily use. To mitigate this, practice strong oral hygiene habits and visit Lakeland Family Dental regularly for check-ups.
Trauma to the Mouth
Traumatic dental injuries can occur during vehicle accidents or sports activities. These accidents are often unavoidable and can cause significant damage to your teeth. While playing contact sports, we encourage you to wear a mouth guard to lower your chances of cracking a tooth.
Cracked teeth, especially when left untreated, are one of the leading causes of tooth loss. By understanding and avoiding these common causes, you can help keep your teeth strong and healthy. However, if a cracked or chipped tooth does occur, the team at Lakeland Family Dental is here to help restore your smile.
For more information or to schedule your next appointment, contact Lakeland Family Dental today.