Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it remains vulnerable to breakage and cracks. The most common causes of chipped or broken teeth are biting hard foods, suffering from nocturnal bruxism and accidental blows to the mouth or face. There are plenty of other reasons teeth break though, and the best way to find these out is to schedule a consult with a local Cosmetic Dentistry Chesterfield MO professional.
It is only fair that, since there are plenty of ways to break your teeth, there should be numerous treatments to help a person recover from chipped or broken teeth. Unfortunately, the enamel is unable to regenerate or heal itself as broken bones do, and even with treatment, some fractures may progress until the tooth gives up and there is no other choice but to remove it. If you think your one of your teeth is injured, make an appointment with a local Cosmetic Dentistry in Littleton and have then evaluate and assess the situation. In case that your dental issue is a severe problem, the dentist may refer you to an endodontist, who specializes in treating fractures such as broken teeth.
Chipped or broken teeth hurt when chewing because it irritates the dental pulp, otherwise known as the area containing nerves and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, this infection can escape into neighboring tissues. Five common symptoms chipped or broken teeth are:
1. Visible fractures or breaks in any of the teeth
2. Unpredictable dental pain that comes and goes suddenly
3. Pain when teeth are exposed to cold or heat
4. Pressing pain when chewing
5. Irregular dental issues noticed with the tongue
It is impossible to prevent dental fractures or breaks completely, but people can minimize the risk of suffering these issues by avoiding chewing very hard food like ice cubes. Plus, it is smart to not use the teeth as if they were a tool. It is also important to treat bruxism quickly to avoid excessive pressures and to use a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Also, be sure to visit the dentist regularly so you can spot potential hazards in your day to day goings on. If nothing else, the local Cosmetic Dentistry can help.
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