Patients who suffer from dental damage often report that they were going along with their regular routines when dental damage popped up, suddenly and without warning. Although it may seem like this, in most cases dental damage actually develops and compounds over time. Today our Santa Monica dentists are talking about some of the key reasons that teeth develop cracks and chips. Let’s get started!
Obviously, sometimes teeth become damaged due to an accident or dental trauma. If you play a contact sport, or you’re in a bike accident, for example, your enamel can become cracked or chipped as a result. However, in many cases, there is no dramatic incident that precipitates damage.
Bruxism is one chronic condition that can weaken your teeth and leave you susceptible to suffering from dental damage. Bruxism is characterized by dental grinding and clenching. Over time the pressure that bruxism puts on your enamel can lead to it to thin and even develop micro-cracks and chips, which are invisible to the naked eye. As this damage compounds the affected teeth can crack or fracture. Because bruxism can manifest at night, it can be difficult for patients to recognize that they are suffering from this condition. So, if you’re dealing with jaw pain or frequent headaches, talk to your dentist about undergoing a bruxism assessment.
Acidic substances can also degrade your enamel. Popular foods and drinks like coffee, soda, juices, citrus fruits, and wine can weaken your enamel. You want to make sure that you are not brushing your teeth for at least twenty to thirty minutes after consuming something acidic, as during this time your enamel is actually softer than usual. You can also get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after consuming something acidic, so as to limit the amount of time that acid is able to sit on your enamel.
Our Santa Monica dentists are here to help you make healthy decisions for your smile so that you can minimize your risk of dealing with dental damage in the future. Please feel free to call our office to get more information or to schedule your personal consultation with our team!