Preserving healthy teeth in the modern world is not so simple, but possible. Technology has long stepped forward. Changes have occurred not only in the treatment of certain diseases, but also in the manufacture of materials for fillings. In addition, various drugs have appeared that can stop the destruction of tooth enamel. To avoid it, you should regularly visit the dentist's office and identify changes. Cracks in the teeth can occur at any age. The reasons for this phenomenon are many.
Why are cracks so dangerous?
Any cracks in the tooth enamel are a pathological process, not a cosmetic defect. Ultimately, the development of such a phenomenon can lead to a more serious disease. After all, each tooth consists of three layers: enamel, hard dentin and pulp, through which nerves and blood vessels pass. Gradually, the cracks become deeper. The edges of the split enamel come into motion when the jaw closes and opens. This provokes the occurrence of pain.
In the absence of proper therapy, an expansion of the crack occurs. As a result of this, a channel forms that connects the oral cavity with the pulp. In size, it may be insignificant. However, saliva, food debris and bacteria get into this channel. Often this provokes the development of the inflammatory process. Which, in turn, is fraught with consequences. After some time, gum inflammation occurs, and then caries.
Physiological factors
Cracks in the teeth most often occur due to violation of the rules of personal hygiene, as well as the rules of nutrition. The physiological reasons for this phenomenon include:
- The use of certain drugs, the components of which are able to penetrate the saliva of a person.
- Sudden temperature changes. This phenomenon is observed when both cold and very hot foods are consumed.
- Enamel thinning is caused by carbonated drinks, sour juices and citrus fruits.
- The use of toothpastes with a whitening effect, since they contain aggressive substances.
Mechanical impact
This is the most common group of causes of enamel destruction. Most often, cracks and chips occur due to bad habits. These include:
- Opening bottles or cans with teeth.
- The habit of biting hard objects, such as pencils and pens.
- Minor injuries. Most often they occur in young children during the game.
All these factors negatively affect the condition of tooth enamel. Untimely repair of damage can lead to the development of irreversible processes.
Crack classification
Split tooth enamel can occur in several directions. Based on this, a classification of cracks was compiled. Dentists distinguish several varieties:
- Vertical split. A crack passes through the entire tooth, dividing it into two parts. In this case, the split begins near the crown and is directed downward to the root. Often, such a deformation goes deep into the gums.
- Horizontal split. This is minor damage that can trigger the separation of a small piece of tooth.
- Inclined split. It is usually located diagonally. In the absence of therapy, it leads to cleavage of a significant part of the tooth.
- Interior. On examination, such a split is invisible. However, after some time, it leads to a serious complication.
Signs of cracking teeth
Surface cracks in the front teeth can be detected during visual inspection. With internal damage, things are much more complicated. Most often, they are found in the destruction of tooth tissues. So, to identify violations of the integrity of the surface, it is enough to eat the dye product, and then conduct a visual inspection. A crack on the tooth (front) will be noticeable even without the use of special tools.
In addition, with a violation of the integrity of the surfaces of the teeth, unpleasant sensations arise. The second sign of cracks is pain. In this case, the damage affects the pulp. Painful sensations often occur during chewing food, when the jaw closes, as well as when brushing your teeth and with sudden changes in temperature.
The main methods of therapy
Inclined cracks in the teeth are usually masked by veneers. Horizontal split is treatable. In some cases, such cracks require pulp removal. This is necessary if it is damaged. If there is a crack in the root of the tooth or near the gums, then either complete restoration or removal is performed.
Vertical disturbances are treated by pulp and canal filling. Often requires the installation of special crowns. If the split went deep into the root, then the tooth is removed. As for internal splits, they often lead to serious complications and injuries. In this case, tooth extraction is performed, and then prosthetics.
Tooth crack: what to do?
There are various methods to prevent the development of unpleasant consequences. They are mainly aimed at strengthening enamel. Among the methods, remineralization is especially popular. Dentists usually prescribe gels, which contain the active components: fluorine, calcium, phosphorus. The soft formula of such a preparation prevents mechanical damage to the surface of the teeth. The drug during use does not cause discomfort.
After remineralization, it is necessary to close the cracks on the tooth enamel. This will prevent the development of pathological phenomena. Composite varnish is often used for these purposes. The composition is applied gently to the surface of the tooth, where it dries. According to European studies, such a drug is absolutely safe for human health. Thanks to a special varnish, you can strengthen the surface of the teeth. However, the coating itself is short-lived. To update, you must visit the dentist every 6 months.
If it is not possible to cover the surface of the teeth with special varnish, then veneers are installed. These products have very thin walls and are made of ceramic. When installing the product, the anatomical features and color of the enamel are taken into account. Veneers are able to completely hide aesthetic defects, as well as protect the tooth from injury. Products are selected individually for each patient.
During the above procedures, it is not recommended to use bleaching compounds. If necessary, you can completely eliminate cracks in the teeth. Treatment should be carried out by a dentist. In beauty salons, such problems are not solved.
Compliance with diet and diet
To prevent cracking of the teeth, it is necessary to protect yourself from bumps and injuries, and you should also eat properly and stop smoking. To strengthen tooth tissues, the following products should be included in the diet:
- Hard cheese. It contains a large amount of phosphorus and calcium.
- Basil, dill and parsley. The composition of greens includes essential oils, which contribute to better oral disinfection.
- Fruits, vegetables and berries containing many vitamins and minerals.
- Dairy products.
- Juices, preferably natural. It is not recommended to add sugar to the drink.
There is a list of what should be discarded. First of all, these are:
- Extremely cold and hot drinks.
- Salty foods. Experts believe that salt contributes to the rapid leaching of calcium from the body.
- Alcoholic drinks.
Recommendations of specialists
If there is no way to eat a balanced diet and give up bad habits, then dentists recommend buying a special complex of minerals in the pharmacy, which contains vitamin D. This substance promotes the absorption of calcium. In addition, some rules should be observed:
- After each meal, you must brush your teeth. If this is not possible, then you can rinse your mouth with water or a special composition.
- For prevention, you need to visit the dentist every 6 months.
- You can rinse your mouth with decoctions of herbs. For these purposes, oak bark, chamomile and sage are suitable.
- If the upper layer of teeth is thinned and sensitivity is increased, then pastes with a whitening effect should be discarded.
- Regularly need to massage the gums with a soft-bristle brush. This allows you to increase blood flow to the tissues.
- Strengthening pastes are recommended for daily use.
In conclusion
If cracks appeared on the teeth, then eliminating them at home will not work. Only a visit to the dentist will save from further destruction. It should be noted that children are more likely to experience this phenomenon, as milk teeth are easily injured. To ignore the cracks in the teeth is not worth it, as they can lead to a split. As a result of this, only a small fragment can remain from the whole structure. In such cases, the tooth is either removed or restored. To do this, pins, crowns, composite material, as well as implants can be used. A crack between the teeth can also lead to negative consequences. The problem is that finding it is very difficult even for the dentist.