Life is full of surprises, and yes, unfortunately, that can sometimes include a broken tooth. While there are moments like unknowingly biting into something hard or a car accident that lead to unavoidable breakage, there are also plenty of ways for you to avoid broken teeth. Adjusting your eating habits can be a start to keeping your teeth protected. You can also be mindful of bad habits like chewing on pen caps or other non-food items. Protecting your teeth from brunt-force trauma or the grinding caused by bruxism can be other ways to avoid tooth breakage.
Watch What You Eat
It is important to remember that when you require your teeth to withstand a lot of force and pressure, it can lead to breakage. Food like toffee, hard crackers, cookies, chips, bread, nuts, and more can result in injury.
Mind Your Chewing Habits
If you chew on things throughout the day that are not food, you could be asking for trouble. Eating ice, chewing on pens or pencils, biting your nails, or chewing on any non-food could lead to an accidental injury to your teeth.
Stop Grinding Your Teeth
The friction caused by grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism) creates tiny fractures in the surface of your teeth. These tiny fractures can leave your teeth vulnerable to breakage, as well as decay and painful sensitivity. Bruxism can also lead to the overwear of your jaw joint, which could cause a painful disorder. Grinding your teeth can be treated to lower the risks associated with it.
Avoid Trauma
If you regularly participate in sports or activities that may involve blows to your face and/or head, you should wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards not only protect your teeth from potential damage and breakage, but they can also protect your whole mouth and possibly brain from concussion. Custom-made mouth guards can offer greater protection.
Have you ever had a broken tooth?
Dr. Carmona can help you repair a broken or damaged tooth. To schedule a consultation with Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
