Having a great oral hygiene routine will not only help your teeth shine but will also keep your entire body healthy. Did you know that the enamel on your tooth is much stronger than your bones? So, if you find that your teeth are chipping or fracturing easily, then there is usually an underlying reason why your teeth are getting brittle.
It’s crucial to find the cause of your brittle teeth and to get treatment. In the meantime, you can at least start to care for your teeth properly - and make sure you maintain your attractive smile.
What is the cause of brittle teeth?
Although your tooth’s enamel is strong, there are many different habits and conditions that can deteriorate your enamel, weakening the tooth and resulting in brittleness. If your teeth are prone to breakage, then it may be due to the following things:
Grinding or teeth clenching: Your teeth can bite down with immense force. Constantly grinding or clenching your teeth will wear away your dental enamel.
Poor oral hygiene: Teeth prone to decay, cavities, or have a lack of pulp, can make your teeth brittle. The cause of this condition could be inadequate brushing or even over-brushing, which wears down the enamel. Inadequate levels of fluoride can also result in erosion because fluoride helps protect your teeth from germs, bacteria and other dental problems.
Nutrient deficiency: Vitamins and minerals are crucial for maintaining healthy tooth enamel. If your body is deficient in any one of the essential nutrients it causes your teeth to weaken. For example, a lack of vitamin A will cause tooth brittleness, and a lack of vitamin D weakens your body’s ability to absorb minerals, like calcium and phosphorus. Both are vital for strengthening your tooth enamel.
The causes of poor nutrition are usually eating disorders or even just having a poor diet in general. Be aware that some medications can prevent your body from absorbing certain nutrients your teeth need.
Acids: Eating disorders where there is frequent vomiting will also damage tooth enamel. Having a diet high in acidity, like eating lots of grapefruit, will also cause your enamel to deteriorate. Other things that will produce enamel-weakening acids include eating too many sugary foods and beverages - especially sodas.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta: This is an inherited condition where the dentin of the teeth does not form correctly. This results in abnormal formation of the mid-layer of the teeth, making the teeth discoloured, and possibly weaker, which can result in fracturing.
Dehydration and dry mouth: If for some reason your body does not produce enough beneficial saliva to help clean out your mouth and neutralize the acids, then this can also lead to brittle teeth.
Unfortunately, once your enamel has been weakened there isn’t a lot you can do about it. While your bones contain regenerative cells, your teeth do not. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong in the first place is important if you want to stop any extra erosion.
How to Strengthen Brittle Teeth
Here are a few ways that you can strengthen your teeth, protect your enamel and prevent any future tooth decay and cavities.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is the process of swishing a high-quality edible oil, like coconut oil, around in your mouth for about 20 minutes. This process will help keep your teeth clean and clear away any built-up plaque. Oil pulling will also remove bacteria from your mouth and stop it from sticking onto your teeth.
When you leave bacteria on your teeth, the acid that’s produced will start to corrode your surface enamel, exposing the vulnerable dentin layer beneath, leading to sensitivity, and eventually pain. You can keep your teeth strong by maintaining a regular oil pulling routine.
Avoid Daytime Snacking
Constantly snacking on carbs throughout the day gives the bacteria in your mouth a constant supply of food. Keeping these bacteria well-fed will produce more acid, resulting in a weakening of your tooth enamel. If you must snack during the day, then be sure to eat something free of carbs, or rinse your mouth with water after you’re finished.
Eat Foods That are Rich in Minerals
Teeth are porous and they gain or lose beneficial minerals over time. Make sure your teeth are getting the minerals they need. Brushing and flossing your teeth helps to clean them but it does not give them minerals. To keep them healthy and strong you will need to consume a diet that is rich in minerals, such as:
- Eggs
- Dark leafy greens
- Mushrooms
- Cheese
Take Refined Sugar Out of Your Diet (or Reduce Your Consumption)
Sugar is the main food source for harmful bacteria in your mouth that damage your teeth. It is also undoubtedly a cause of other health problems, such as diabetes or even cancer.
Taking sugar out of your diet reduces the amount of damaging bacteria in your mouth, making it an easy and effective way to protect your dental health.
Brush Your Tongue
Brushing your tongue keeps it clean and is another great way to reduce the bacteria in your mouth. Plus, you’ll have fresher breath and feel like your whole mouth is cleaner too.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist every 6 months will help keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest. Your dentist will be able to spot any areas that might need improvement and can also detect any oral diseases early on. In addition, your dentist can help you remove substances like plaque and tartar. These are things that tooth brushing on its own will not be able to remove.
This becomes increasingly important as you age. For more information about dental services for seniors in Toronto, call Bloor West Smiles at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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