A cracked tooth can affect not only the appearance of your smile but also your ability to chew comfortably. Depending on its severity, a cracked tooth can cause discomfort and even lead to further dental issues if left untreated. The good news is that many cracked teeth can be prevented. At Family 1st Dental – Creighton, we’ve outlined the most common causes of cracked teeth and how to avoid them.

1. Chewing Hard Foods

While your teeth are strong, they aren’t invincible. Chewing on hard foods can easily lead to cracks. Common items that may cause this damage include:

• Ice
• Nuts
• Hard candies
• Popcorn kernels

To protect your teeth, try to limit or avoid these hard foods. Additionally, be cautious when biting down on items with hidden hard pieces, like seeds or pits in fruits.

2. Grinding Your Teeth at Night

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often done unconsciously, especially while sleeping. Over time, this can cause stress fractures or tiny cracks called craze lines in your enamel. If you suspect you grind your teeth, here’s what you can do:

• Wear a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
• Discuss your grinding habits with our dentist in Creighton, who can help find the right solution.

3. Natural Aging

As you age, your teeth naturally experience wear and tear. Cracked teeth are more common in individuals over 50 due to the years of use and the gradual weakening of enamel. To mitigate the effects of aging on your teeth:

• Maintain good oral hygiene practices.
• Visit our dentist regularly for checkups and early detection of potential issues.

4. Trauma to the Mouth

Accidents such as vehicle collisions or sports injuries can cause traumatic damage to your teeth, including cracks. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
• Use caution in situations where injury to the mouth is possible, like during physical activities.

5. Cracked Teeth and Tooth Loss

If left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to tooth loss or more severe dental problems. Cracks can worsen over time, affecting the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. If you experience a cracked tooth:

• See our dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment options.
• Restorative procedures such as crowns or fillings may be necessary to repair the tooth.

Protect Your Teeth with Family 1st Dental – Creighton

While some cracked teeth are unavoidable, many can be prevented with the right care. If you’ve cracked a tooth or are concerned about your oral health, contact Family 1st Dental – Creighton today to schedule your appointment. Our team is here to help you maintain a healthy, strong smile for years to come.