Broken or Chipped Teeth: Importance of Oral Hygiene

A crack that emerges on your teeth can easily be used to identify a fractured or chipped tooth. There are situations when the crack is little and harmless. Sometimes the crack might cause a break or fracture in your tooth. Although anybody may break a tooth, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to doing so.

What are the Layers of the Tooth?

It's important to know what makes up your tooth in order to comprehend how your teeth might break or chip. The crown and the roots are the two components that make up a tooth. Unlike the roots, which are hidden behind the gums, the crown is visible above your gums. The enamel, dentin, and pulp are only a few of the many layers that both the gums and the roots have. Broken teeth may affect one or more of these levels. The method of therapy for a fractured tooth depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

What are the Symptoms of Chipped Teeth?

Not all cracked teeth exhibit symptoms. However, when they do, the following are the key signs:

pain, especially when chewing
sensitivity to variations in temperature or when consuming sugary food
inflammation close to the tooth

What Causes a Chipped or Cracked Tooth?

These are the most typical reasons for tooth fractures:

Age
Biting into brittle food like sweets, ice, or popcorn kernels
Behavioral patterns like chewing gum
Dental fillings or root canals that weaken the tooth
Teeth grinding
Trauma, such as injuries sustained from falls, sports, bike accidents, auto accidents, or physical aggression

What are the Types of Cracked Teeth?

Your dentist will classify your tooth under one of the following categories:

Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth has a vertical fracture that extends from the tooth's biting surface to the gum line. The fracture may occasionally penetrate your gum tissue and tooth root.
Craze lines (hairline cracks): Tiny, fine fractures develop on the tooth's outer enamel. Those are usually painless.
Fractured cusp: A crack appears around a dental filling when the cusp is broken. Cusp fractures often don't cause a lot of discomfort.
Split tooth: A split tooth is one that has a crack that extends below the gum line from the tooth's surface. Your tooth is split in two by this fracture.
Vertical tooth fracture: Cracks that start below your gum line and move toward the tooth's biting surface are known as vertical root fractures. Unless your tooth is infected, vertical root fractures might not show any symptoms.

How Will the Doctor Treat My Chipped Tooth?

The course of treatment for a broken tooth varies on the extent of the injury. Typical remedies for fractured teeth include the following:

Bonding: To repair the fracture, a plastic resin is employed.
Cosmetic contouring: Rounding and polishing the damaged tooth's rough edges makes it seem better.
Crown: The cracked tooth is covered with a porcelain or ceramic crown. frequently used when there is not enough natural tooth left for a veneer.
Extraction: Extraction is the complete tooth removal. Used when the tooth's nerve and root have sustained significant damage.
Root Canal: To stop additional tooth deterioration, the damaged pulp is removed during a root canal. when the fracture penetrates the pulp, used.
Veneer: The front of a tooth is covered with a thin layer of porcelain or plastic. while you still have a sizable portion of your natural tooth.

Your dentist may occasionally advise against fixing a fractured tooth at all when it does not impact your appearance, is painless, or is extended deep.

What Can I Do to Prevent Chipping My Teeth?

Preventing chipped teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. While accidents can happen, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of chipping your teeth, with a strong focus on oral hygiene.

First and foremost, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount. Regular brushing and flossing are fundamental in removing plaque and food particles that can weaken your teeth over time. Brushing should be done at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Flossing complements brushing by reaching the tight spaces between teeth where food debris can accumulate and cause decay.
In addition to brushing and flossing, the use of mouthwash can provide an extra layer of protection. Mouthwash contains antibacterial agents that can help reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, further preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your oral tissues, which can potentially lead to more fragile teeth.
Beyond daily oral care, be mindful of your dietary habits. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to chipping. If you do indulge in such items, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash afterward to help neutralize acids and remove residual sugars.
Moreover, consider wearing a mouthguard if you engage in contact sports or grind your teeth at night. A custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from direct impact and minimize the risk of chipping during physical activities or teeth-grinding episodes.
Regular dental check-ups are vital for early detection of any dental issues. Your dentist can identify signs of enamel erosion, chipping, or other problems, allowing for timely intervention and prevention.

In conclusion, preventing chipped teeth requires a combination of diligent oral hygiene, a well-balanced diet, and the use of mouthwash. By taking these proactive measures, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth and minimize the risk of chipping, ensuring a confident and radiant smile for years to come.

References:

Consolaro, M. F., Consolaro, A., Francischone, L. A., & Consolaro, R. B. (2005). Gingival recession: A proposed new classification. Brazilian Dental Journal, 16(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-64402005000100002
Hugo, F. N., Hilgert, J. B., Bozzetti, M. C., & Bandeira, D. R. (2010). Oral status and its associations with general quality of life in older adults in southern Brazil. Gerodontology, 27(2), 106-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-2358.2010.00412.x
Jiao, J., Jing, W., Si, Y., & Feng, X. (2018). Vitamin D deficiency and periodontitis in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 45(5), 409-420. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12829
Preshaw, P. M., Heasman, L., Stacey, F., Steen, N., McCracken, G. I., & Heasman, P. A. (2004). The effect of a commercial mouth rinse on plaque regrowth and gingivitis. Journal of Dentistry, 32(3), 193-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2003.10.005