We tend to think of our teeth as strong, permanent fixtures in our mouths. However, teeth are quite capable of breaking under certain circumstances. But what exactly are those circumstances? To find out, read below as your Milford dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, explains how a broken tooth is sustained.
How Teeth Break
- Tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria delve inside of teeth. As they burrow deeper and deeper inside a tooth, the tooth weakens as a cavity grows larger and larger inside of it, meaning less force is required to break the tooth. The more decay exists, the more likely a tooth is to break. Thus, if tooth decay is extensive, a dental crown may be necessary to reinforce the tooth against breaking.
- Powerful force. There is no predicting when a dental emergency will occur. Unseen projectiles and accidents can impart powerful forces on teeth, and if these forces are powerful enough, a tooth can break. If you sustain a broken tooth in this way, it is important to rinse your mouth with warm water to remove some lingering bacteria from your mouth to lower your risk of infection. Then, contact your Milford emergency dentist, Dr. Quintner, for prompt dental assistance.
- Bruxism. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can occur without a person’s knowledge as most bruxism takes place during sleep. Unfortunately, this means that we can weaken our teeth for prolonged periods of time without knowing it. As teeth slide against one another night after night, they wear each other down, weakening structurally and increasing their risk of breaking. If teeth become too weak, they will break, necessitating the placement of a dental crown. Some untreated bruxism habits have been known to break multiple teeth
Schedule a Visit with Your Milford Dentist
Do you have a broken tooth that needs to be repaired? If so, contact our 06460 dental office to schedule an appointment with your Milford dentist, Dr. Quintner, today by calling 203-878-6699. We proudly serve the 06460 area and welcome patients from Milford, Orange, Woodmont, West Haven, and all neighboring communities.