As the most-used parts of your body, your teeth go through a lot every day. Fortunately, they’re designed to do a lot without sustaining any damage or becoming significantly worn down. This is important not only to your bite’s function, but also to the long-term state of your oral health. When a tooth becomes damaged, the fracture, break, or other compromised part of your tooth won’t be able to heal itself. While you can restore your tooth with custom restorative dental treatment, it’s often more beneficial to avoid causing any damage to your tooth structure from occurring.
The unique nature of tooth damage
Your natural tooth structure can become damaged or compromised in different ways, and for a wide variety of reasons. For example, the chewing surfaces of your teeth might become worn down if your bite is imbalanced, or if you grind them constantly. Some teeth might become fractured or broken due to accidental trauma, or long-term exposure to excessive pressure. The key to avoiding tooth damage is to determine your specific risk factors and take steps to control the risks as much as possible.
Tips to preserve your healthy tooth structure
- Pay attention to grinding your teeth – When you grind your teeth together constantly, the pressure that your bite generates can become the greatest threat to your teeth. Over time, the pressure and friction can wear down your teeth’s structures, make them weaker, and potentially lead to more severe fractures or breaks. If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as nighttime bruxism) and are unable to simply tell yourself to stop, then you can protect your teeth with a custom-designed nightguard.
- Wear a guard when playing sports – Accidental tooth trauma and the resulting dental emergency that occurs from it aren’t exactly common. However, they’re more likely to occur if you play contact sports, or engage in extreme sports. Stay prepared by wearing a protective mouthguard every time, preferably one that’s custom-designed by your dentist to protect your teeth, specifically.
- Keep your teeth strong and healthy – Strong teeth are less likely to become damaged, and your teeth need your help to remain as strong as they should be. This include practicing good hygiene by brushing and flossing them every day to remove plaque buildup, which can directly impact their health and integrity. It also means eating a well-balanced diet to ensure your teeth receive the healthy minerals and nutrients they need.
Avoid damaging your healthy, natural teeth
One of the best ways to avoid the need for extensive dental treatment is to avoid causing excessive damage to your healthy, natural tooth structure. For more information, contact our office by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY, today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
