The Causes of Cracked Teeth
We have seen many patients with cracked or damaged teeth. There are many reasons why teeth can crack. Our team has extensive experience treating cracked teeth and educating our patients on the causes and how to prevent them.
How Did I Crack A Tooth?
Cracked teeth are often related to stress, lack of sleep, neglected oral care, and inadequate nutrition, all of which can contribute to a decline in oral health. Previous dental work can also make teeth more prone to fracture or break. Even simple accidents like chewing on hard foods (like popcorn seeds or ice) can crack teeth. A decline in oral care can lead to tooth decay, which weakens teeth and makes them more susceptible to chips and cracks. Bruxism can also be a contributing factor.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth. It can occur while awake (day-bruxism) or asleep (sleep-bruxism). Many people experience bruxism, and there are ways to help prevent it.
Teeth Grinding & Posture
Poor posture during the day can contribute to grinding problems, especially at night. Many people work in ergonomically incorrect workspaces, leading to awkward body positions that cause them to hunch their shoulders and curve their spine. This, combined with a forward head position, can place the jaw’s condyles deeper into their sockets. The nerves in the neck and shoulder muscles connect to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. Incorrect positioning of bones and muscles can put unnecessary pressure on these nerves and contribute to teeth grinding.
Treating Cracked Teeth
Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the extent of the damage. The first steps include taking dental X-rays, a visual inspection, and probing all tooth surfaces.
About The Structure of A Tooth
- The visible part of the tooth is the crown.
- The tooth is anchored to the jaw bone by the root.Enamel covers the crown.
- Dentin lies underneath the enamel.
- At the core is a hollow chamber called the pulp, where the nerve and blood vessels are.
Treatment for cracked teeth, categorized by severity:
- Least severe: A dental crown can cover and restore the damage.
- Medium-grade: If the crack extends deeper, a root canal procedure may be necessary, followed by a crown to restore aesthetics and functionality.
- Most severe: A severe crack extending deep into the tooth may require a tooth extraction. While extraction is a last resort, we always strive to save natural teeth. If an extraction is necessary, a dental implant can replace the original tooth.
Schedule A Comprehensive Dental Examination
If you’ve fallen behind on your dental health, this Port Coquitlam Dentist is here to help. Schedule a comprehensive dental examination with us. We offer top-notch care and convenience. Our approachable team, personalized care, and advanced technology ensure you receive the best service. Call us at 604-464-4131 or click here to request an appointment.
