Brittle Teeth: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Table of Contents
- Signs & Diagnosis
- Causes
- Treatment Options
- Prevention
- Having Brittle Teeth?
- References
Brushing your teeth is one of the most effective ways to ensure oral hygiene. However, sometimes teeth are fragile enough that they hurt when chewing food – or even during brushing. This is one of the signs of brittle teeth.
Having brittle teeth is a condition characterized by weak enamel, which chips or breaks easily. Enamel is the hardest and strongest substances in the human body, stronger and more durable than bones.
When enamel breaks down, it automatically makes teeth weaker. When dental professionals encounter weak teeth, they know an underlying issue is the cause. If you start to experience multiple chipped or deteriorating teeth, you should see a dentist for a check-up and treatment.
Signs and Diagnosis of Fragile Teeth
Brittle teeth sometimes have no symptoms. But when symptoms occur, they range from mild chipping to severe pain.
Brittle teeth may have the following signs:
Sensitivity to heat or cold
Swollen gums around the brittle teeth
Pain when biting or chewing food
Erratic pain that is on and off
A dentist may perform a physical examination or ask about your dental history to diagnose the condition.
Causes of Brittle Teeth
Although tooth enamel is naturally tough, it is prone to breakage. Some dental habits and health conditions can weaken the enamel, causing your teeth to break.
If your teeth are fragile or break easily, it may stem from one or more of the following reasons:
Genetic predisposition
Periodontitis
Teeth-grinding or clinching
Poor dental care
Poor dietary choices
Eating disorders
Aging teeth
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
You can prevent some of these reasons, although you can’t do anything about your genetics or about getting older.
Treatment Options
Tooth enamel has no regenerative cells and cannot re-grow once it breaks down. However, dentists have several treatment options to strengthen brittle teeth. Be sure to visit a dental clinic for advice and treatment.
You should expect one or more of three treatment options:
Fluoride therapy
Crowns
Veneers
Dental sealants
How to Prevent Brittle Teeth
The easiest and most effective way to safeguard your teeth is to maintain regular dental hygiene. Ensure you brush your teeth and floss regularly for strong, healthy teeth.
In addition, observe the following measures:
Visit a dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. A dentist may spot oral infections and recommend the best treatment method.
Reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods, which are a source of bacteria that may damage your teeth.
Eat foods rich in calcium such as fruits, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms and eggs.
Brush your tongue regularly to keep it clean and have fresh breath. Like regular teeth-brushing and flossing, keeping your tongue clean minimizes the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Drink copious amounts of water. This is a tip that works for overall health, but in terms of dental health, hydration promotes the strength of enamel.
Having Brittle Teeth?
A weak, fragile enamel is a hindrance to regular teeth functioning and oral health. A combination of healthy habits such as regular brushing, avoiding sugary foods, and eating calcium-rich foods can enhance your dental health. However, if you have persistent brittle teeth, seek medical help from dental healthcare professional.