Why do teeth break, and what are they made of?

Your cracked or broken tooth may not always be noticeable or necessarily hurt, but just because it’s not causing any trouble doesn’t mean it should be ignored. No matter how minor you think it may be, regular check-ups and discussions with your dentist could prevent fractures and cracks from developing into serious problems.

So what are teeth made of, and why do they break?

Teeth are made up of four main substances:

• Enamel- The enamel is often our biggest focus, it is the mineral layer that covers the outside of the crown of the tooth and is considered the hardest substance in the human body. Despite enamel being so strong, teeth are still at risk of breaking.

• Dentin- This part of the tooth is covered by the enamel and it greatly affects the color of your teeth, based on the translucency of your enamel.

• Cementum- The cementum is the part of the tooth which connects the tooth to the jaw and gums. If this area is visible you may be showing early signs of periodontal disease.

• Pulp- This is most centric part of the tooth, which houses the nerves and connective tissues.

Factors which can lead to a tooth breaking:

• Decay – Risk factors that can lead to cavities in teeth include having lots of sugary foods and drinks in combination with plaque build-up. When sugar is consumed, an acid is formed which, over time, causes tooth enamel to soften and spread to the dentin underneath, causing a hole to develop. To reduce the risk of decay, you must reduce sugary foods and drinks, especially as snacks in between meals. Maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, involving brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once a day. Visit us regularly to have your teeth checked and cleaned. Dr. Mark may recommend specific products to help strengthen your enamel, such as fluoride mouthwash.

• Trauma – Teeth often break as a result of injury or biting something particularly hard, such as ice or a stray olive pit. If you want to avoid teeth breakage due to injury during contact sports, always wear a mouth guard to protect your smile, including practice.

• Tooth wear

  1. Due to grinding – Night-time grinding, also known as nocturnal bruxism, can lead to weakened enamel and resultant tooth fracture. Grinding can be caused by stress or anxiety, certain drugs, and sleep apnea. Signs of a grinding habit can include waking with a headache or sore jaw or a loved one may comment on being able to hear you grinding at night. If you visit Dr. Mark, he will be able to give you the advice to help you stop the grinding habit and may prescribe a night-guard to help protect your teeth from excessive wear

  2. Due to erosion – Acid from certain foods and drinks, or from acid reflux, can lead to thinning of your enamel. Acidic foods include citrus fruits and foods pickled in vinegar. Acidic beverages include fruit juices, sports drinks, and wine. Frequency of intake rather than the total intake of acidic food or drinks is the greatest risk factor contributing to dental erosion. Therefore, try to minimize acid exposure to help maintain enamel and reduce the risk of subsequent tooth fracture. If reflux is a problem, your doctor will be able to provide appropriate advice

Ultimately, once tooth enamel has been lost, the damage is irreversible. So, in order to maintain a healthy smile for life, visit your dentist regularly, eat a healthy diet and practice optimal home dental hygiene and care.

What to do if you break your tooth…

If your tooth is already broken, make sure you don’t brush it, and make an appointment to see us as soon as possible. Dr. Mark Kubiliun will discuss with you the best method of repairing the break, which could be one or a combination of fillings, crowns and root canal treatments.

We are on a mission to become the top-rated dentist in Jupiter, Florida, so please share this blog with your friends and family to help spread the word!

By providing links to other sites, Harbor Breeze Dental Care does not guarantee, approve, or endorse the information or products available on these sites. All pictures are from Pixabay and Pexels. This blog has been endorsed and approved by Dr. Mark Kubiliun, Cosmetic Dentist in Jupiter.