A cracked tooth can lead to severe pain because of the exposure of the nerves and connective tissue. If this leads to inflammation, antibiotics may not even help, and you may need a root canal treatment – something you will want to avoid at all costs.
So what are the most common ways people crack their teeth and how can you prevent it from happening to you?
- Hard foods
It may be difficult to resist hard lollies, but it is in your best interest to avoid it since hard foods such as toffee, bones on meat, chewy lollies and ice can cause small cracks in your teeth.
Advice: Besides avoiding these completely, is to chew slowly and evenly throughout your mouth.
- Sport
It comes as no surprise that sports injuries from rugby, football and basketball can cause your teeth to chip and crack. A hard blow in an intense game can even knock your tooth right out.
Advice: Simply wear a mouthguard when playing sport can be the difference between expensive and extensive treatment, and a safe, secure mouth!
- Tooth as tools
How often have you found yourself opening a bottle or any other packaging with your teeth? We’re all guilty of it. The problem is that our teeth weren’t designed to be used as tools. Many people have cracked their teeth before they could even sink into the food or drink they were after.
Advice: Completely avoid this. Use a pair of scissors or a knife.
- Grinding
You may not even realise it, but you may grind your teeth at night, which can lead to a breaking down of the tooth, exposing the enamel and leading to a likelihood that your tooth will crack at any given notice.
Advice: Wear a sleeping mouthguard designed to prevent grinding during the night.
- Age
We cannot turn back the clock. It’s just what it is. However, understanding what occurs can help you prevent tooth cracks. As we age, the dentin behind the enamel becomes more brittle, which becomes ever susceptible to cracking.
Advice: Keep in mind that even in our older years, it is equally important to do everything we can to take care of our teeth.
These are tips to help you prevent the dreaded cracked tooth and the consequences of extreme pain and treatment. If you have cracked your tooth and are concerned about infection and growing pain, contact us today and we will help treat the issue, provide you with comfort and remove the pain altogether.
