Enamel Cracks: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

We will talk about what leads to the formation of cracks and how to deal with them in this article.

Enamel is the top coating of the tooth and one of the important parts that protects the tooth from the harmful effects and damage. It is enamel that gives our smile sparkling snow-white. It is all the more important to keep this coverage intact. Sometimes, smiling at your reflection, you can notice cracks in the enamel – first barely visible, then more and more noticeable. What leads to the formation of cracks and how to deal with them?

How to Protect Yourself from Cracks in Enamel

A crack is a split in the dentition. Cracks in the enamel look like small darkened strings. The older the crack, the more noticeable it is. Love for coloring food and drinks (tea, coffee) makes the damage even more visible. The split begins as a slight damage to the upper layer; however, in the absence of timely treatment, the split will deepen. This, in turn, can lead to serious consequences from tooth decay to complete tooth loss.

Preventing cracks is easier than curing. The most common causes of cracking on enamel are:

• Temperature differences
• Mechanical injuries (attempt to crack hard)
• Lack of essential trace elements in the body
• Natural disposition

Therefore, watch your daily diet – exclude sugar, soda, and also too cold or too hot foods. Do not get involved in solid foods like crackers and never crack nuts with your teeth. If you smoke, try to stop smoking. And, of course, do not forget to brush your teeth twice a day and visit the dentist at least twice a year. All this will help reduce the risk of cracks and make your teeth stronger and healthier.

Treatment and Restoration of the Tooth Surface

If cracks in the enamel have already appeared, then do not delay the trip to the doctor. A specialist will examine the oral cavity and give recommendations for treatment. First you have to undergo a thorough examination to find out the reasons – thereby, the dentist will choose the best method for further treatment. In dentistry, a whole range of strengthening procedures has been developed, one of which is remineralization. Thanks to this procedure, enamel is enriched with useful trace elements and restores its natural protective qualities. After completion of treatment, it is possible to coat the teeth with a special varnish for strengthening. Guaranteed protection of the enamel from damage is given for about six months, after which the process is recommended to be repeated, since the varnish is almost completely worn out by this time.

Contact Dr. Brian Gurinsky

If you have any additional questions about enamel or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Brian Gurinsky, our periodontist in downtown Denver & Centennial, CO!