It’s important to maintain a healthy smile to keep a strong bite that allows you to eat naturally. While certain factors are unavoidable, teeth can become brittle & chip or break too easily without proper care.
How It Happens
Teeth become brittle after tooth enamel wears too far down &/or when the inner pulp is no longer present. These characteristics occur for a number of reasons & though teeth do not heal the same as the rest of your body (your enamel doesn’t grow back), getting back to a proper hygiene routine will allow you to fortify your teeth.
Age: Getting older is something we cannot avoid. Like the rest of our body, at a certain point, our teeth begin to weaken. However, brushing & eating well in your youth can greatly extend your teeth’s longevity. Once you get older, it can be harder to access care, so it’s a good idea to talk to your professional health network to explore your options.
Genetics: Another unavoidable factor for some are genetic conditions. Certain types of dry mouth & physical disorders can affect the strength of your teeth. These are inherited from your parents & can vary in severity. If you think you may have a genetic condition, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.
Poor hygiene: Not brushing or flossing enough or improperly leads to a plaque buildup that allows harmful bacteria to erode your enamel & invade your teeth, causing myriad maladies. Even with great care at home, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. Over time, that smooth feeling you get on your tongue when it’s pressed against your teeth turns fuzzy, & only professional care can fully remove it.
Poor diet: Not eating well gives your teeth a one-two punch. First, teeth are exposed to too much acid, which weakens enamel. Sugar is ingested at too high a rate that encourages plaque buildup. Then, a lack of good nutrients—like getting enough calcium—prevents your teeth from getting the nutrients they need to remain resilient.
Staying Strong
The best way to mitigate preventable factors is to create a healthy hygiene routine at home, start a diet with your oral health in mind & visit your dentist. Brush at least twice a day & be sure to floss. Be sure to follow recommendations for proper brushing. Create a diet that’s low in sugar & acids & high in calcium. Make sure you eat well for your whole body, as oral health is tied to your overall health.
Finally, be sure to stay on a regular hygiene plan with your dentist. Cleanings are often covered or provided at a reduced cost to uninsured patients. Plus, they usually take an hour or less & there’s no drilling involved. Most patients should visit every six months to keep a strong set of pearly whites.
Sources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/how-to-manage-brittle-teeth#
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-the-right-way-to-brush-your-teeth-202211232854
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578296/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sjogrens-syndrome