24/7 emergency dentist suggests tips to prevent tooth cracking

Have you ever gone through the sensation of a tooth cracking or breaking? This type of feelings does not occur often but when it does it occurs all on a sudden, explain busy dentists in London. This type of sensation often brings an alarming and uncomfortable situation to say the least as you are left with guessing what the reason is behind it.

In the following sections of this post let us therefore explore the reasons that are responsible for cracking of a tooth. The discussion will also cover effective means to prevent the condition.

Cracking of a tooth – understand what it means

Let us start with understanding what actually cracking of a tooth is. First let us understand what our tooth is composed of. A typical tooth in our mouth has three distinct layers.

• The outermost protective covering is quite hard and is called the enamel. It protects the tooth, rather its inner structures, from damages.
• Beneath the outermost enamel layer is the dentin layer. This layer is much less resistant to strains from outside compared to the enamel.
• The innermost layer is the pulp chamber which houses the much needed blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth healthy and alive.

Dentists who offer urgent dental care in London over the years explain, cracking of the tooth or teeth actually means development of tiny cracks or fractures in the enamel and the dentin layers. By and large out teeth are sturdy and strong but due to external impact or factors they could become susceptible to fracture or cracking they explain.

When your tooth suffers a crack or fracture it is important to identify the reason behind. If you do not address the problem promptly, it is likely to bring further damages and complexities over time.

Reasons that cause the teeth to crack

The following factors are found responsible for cracking of the tooth.

• Poor oral hygiene – Harmful plaques and bacteria find it easier accumulating on your teeth when you do not brush and floss the teeth regularly and in the right techniques. This results in decaying of the tooth and erosion of the protective enamel coating. As the enamel coating starts becoming thinner tiny cracks or fractures may come up easily. Qualified and experienced professionals who provide emergency dental services in London explain maintaining optimum oral hygiene consistently is the best and the effective way to avoid all the complexities.
• Bruxism or grinding and clenching of the teeth – In dental terms, involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth is called bruxism. The problem occurs mostly while one is asleep and so one is hardly aware that he or she is suffering from this problem in the first place. Bruxsim exerts tremendous pressure on the teeth making them further susceptible to cracks and fractures. What causes bruxism? The reasons behind bruxism include mental stress, misaligned teeth or bite. Attending regular dental checkups are helpful in diagnosing the problem of bruxism. If you suffer from the problem your dentist will easily pick up traits from your teeth and the overall mouth during routine dental checkups.
• Factors related to age – The natural procedure of ageing results in immense wearing and tearing of the teeth. Worn out teeth are more susceptible to cracks and fractures. Repetitive actions of biting and chewing along with constant pressure keep weakening the protective enamel coating of the tooth. This often leads to formation of micro factures in the tooth. With advanced age, production of saliva in the mouth also drops and as a result the teeth become more brittle, explains a renowned private emergency dentist in London.
• Impact of an injury or trauma – Immediate cracking of the teeth result from the impact of an accidental trauma or injury sustained in the mouth or the face. An accidental fall, a blow received on the face and attempt of biting down on any hard food are some of the commonest causes behind tooth fractures. Do not open packages with the tooth. Stop biting on nails and do not chew on pencil tips and pen caps if you want to avoid tooth fractures. It is also important not to attempt opening cans and bottles with the teeth. Make sure to use the proper tools as and when required instead of using your teeth as a tool.
• Decay of the tooth – The other name of tooth decay is cavity. It is a disease of the tooth which gradually weakens the natural structure of it. If left untreated and ignored, decay goes deeper into the tooth making it more prone to cracking. In course of time the problem even shakes the stability of the tooth itself. Two things help avoid setting in of decay in the teeth – routine dental checkups with your dentist and prompt treatment for cavities. When chances of setting in of decay are reduced, cracks and fractures in the tooth resulting from decay also get reduced, explains a busy 24/7 emergency dentist in London.

How to prevent cracking of the tooth

It is possible to prevent cracking or fracturing of the teeth or at least reduce the chances. Here is what you have to do for that –

• Consistently maintain sound oral hygiene – Regularly brush and floss the teeth in the right way. Use soft bristled toothbrushes and any fluoride toothpaste. Rinse the mouth once daily with any alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
• Use a mouth guard to prevent damages to your teeth while grinding the teeth in sleep or taking part in any adventure or contact sports.
• Qualified dentists working at the renowned Emergency Dental Clinic Chelsea suggest attend regular dental checkups.