Our smiles are built to last. In fact, tooth enamel — the outer surface of our teeth — is the hardest substance in the human body, even stronger than our bones. That tooth enamel can withstand a lot of wear and tear. As we live longer, and expose our teeth to stresses like clenching, grinding or chewing on hard objects, we can put our smiles at risk. If you think you have a cracked tooth, it’s important to seek treatment quickly, before the problem gets worse.
What can I do to prevent my teeth from cracking?
While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.
- Don’t chew on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your dentist about getting mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when playing contact sports.