Our Dental Blog

Avoid Broken Teeth

February 6, 2018

Life is full of surprises, and unfortunately, that can sometimes include a bad surprises like a broken tooth. While there are unavoidable moments like unknowingly biting into something hard or a car accident that lead to tooth damage, there are also plenty of ways to help you to avoid broken teeth. Being mindful of what you eat can be a start to keeping your teeth protected. You can also watch out for bad habits like chewing on pen caps or other non-food items. Protecting your teeth from brunt-force trauma with a mouth guard. Treat bruxism to prevent the damage caused by grinding your teeth.

a girl brushing her teeth

Be Mindful of What You Eat

It is important to remember that you require your teeth to withstand a lot of force and pressure, and that can lead to breakage. Foods that are hard like toffee, crackers, cookies, chips, bread, nuts, seeds, and more can result in injury.

Be Careful of What You Gnaw On

If you chew on things throughout the day that are not meant to be chewed on, you could be asking for trouble. Eating ice, chewing on pens or pencils, biting your nails, or chewing on any non-food or gum could lead to an accidental injury to your teeth.

Bruxism Can Be Treated

Bruxism is also known as grinding your teeth. The friction caused by grinding your teeth can create tiny fractures in the surface of your teeth. Tiny fractures in your enamel can leave your teeth vulnerable to breakage, as well as decay and painful sensitivity. Grinding your teeth can also lead to the overwear of your jaw joint, which could cause a painful disorder. Bruxism can be treated to lower the risks associated with it.

Protect Your Smile From Trauma

If you regularly participate in sports or activities that involve blows to your face, you should wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards not only protect your teeth from potential damage and breakage, but they can also protect the rest of your mouth and possibly even your brain from concussion.

Have You Ever Broken a Tooth?

There are ways to avoid breaking a tooth, but if you do break a tooth, it can be treated. Schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.