Our teeth are very strong, but they are not invincible. Cracked enamel or a fracture of a tooth can occur due to teeth grinding or biting into something hard. And teeth can chip for some of the most innocuous reasons often requiring a visit to an emergency dentist for repair.
These things may seem minor, but you could be putting your teeth at risk due to:
1. Nail Biting – You don’t have a nail clipper or file handy, but you have a broken nail or a hangnail. Or maybe you’re one of the millions that bite their nails habitually to relieve anxiety or just out of pure boredom. Whatever the reason, biting your fingernails can result in broken or chipped enamel … and if you think about it, you are putting a lot of germs and dirt in your mouth when biting nails.
2. Ice Chewing – So many people subconsciously chew on the ice in their drink without thinking; but that ice is extremely hard and is putting a lot of pressure on teeth especially if you chew ice regularly.
3. A Fall – Whether you are taking a stroll or are walking in a hurry, an accidental fall can occur at any time. Hopefully, you can get your hands out to protect your face, but very often the face and mouth bear the brunt of an accidental fall. This can happen at any age, and often when you least expect it. Many sports and games where you anticipate contact, you make preparations like wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth. But there are many times when playing socially or engaging in a non-contact activity that the unthinkable occurs … you bump into someone or something and your mouth makes contact with something hard.
4. Teeth Grinding – This habit often gets it start subconsciously during periods of sleep. The pressure you are putting on your teeth can result in chipped or broken dentition. Many patients may not realize they are grinding, but your dentist will spot the symptoms at your check-up and make recommendations on how to prevent further damage.
Caring for teeth is imperative as they must serve us for a lifetime. Do all that you can to protect them … brush and floss daily, and visit our team at Crosspointe Dental & Orthodontics every six months for cleaning and dental exam.
