Why Covering Cracks Is So Important For Tooth Health

11 April 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

Everyone knows that cavities have to be removed and then filled, but cracks and chips in teeth are another matter. Some people think that if it isn't painful or doesn't get in the way of their daily life, they can put it off for a while. Unfortunately, even if you think it's not hurting you, the damage to your teeth could be putting you at risk. Read on to learn more about this and what you can do to combat it.

How Cracks Form

Cracks and chips can appear on your teeth due to a variety of reasons. This includes sudden stress, like biting into something that's so hard that your tooth cracks, or long-term damage that takes months or even years to develop.

Unfortunately, long-term damage often goes unnoticed. If the crack or chip doesn't go deeply enough in the tooth to affect the roots of your tooth, you might not be aware that you even have it. This is just one more reason why it's so important to see your dentist on a regular basis.

The Risk

The big problem with having a damaged tooth is that the damage breaks the protective seal of your dental enamel.

Enamel is the hard shell on the outside of your tooth. It protects the softer, more sensitive parts of the tooth from wear and tear, cavities, and even provides a layer that keeps your teeth from hurting when you eat cold or hot foods. Unfortunately, once this enamel is damaged, those softer parts of the teeth are at risk.

The dentin and pulp of your teeth aren't designed to have defenses against bacteria, plaque, and acidic food. All it takes is one small crack or chip in your tooth for the interior of your tooth to start being damaged on a daily basis.

The Fix

Getting a cracked or chipped tooth repaired right away could mean the difference between keeping the tooth and needing a root canal. Thankfully, the fix is easy: dental bonding is all you need.

Dental bonding is a technique used by dentists to close up teeth and protect them when they develop cavities, cracks, or chips. The bonding material acts as a new layer of enamel, keeping harmful substances from making their way deeper into the tooth. Bonding also repairs the appearance of your tooth, so it's a win-win for dental patients like you.

Dental bonding can make a big difference in your appearance and protect your oral health for years to come. If you think that one of your teeth might be damaged, visit a dentist to find out and begin the treatment process. Contact a company like Holly Springs Dental Care for more information and assistance.