Dental crowns are one of the most popular dental treatments available today. They are used to restore the function and appearance of teeth that have been damaged by decay, injury, or wear and tear. While dental crowns are very durable, they can still be damaged.
Here are six of the most common causes of damaged dental crowns:
1. Chewing on Hard Objects
One of the most common causes of damaged dental crowns is chewing on hard objects. This can include hard candy, ice, nuts, and even your fingernails. Chewing on hard objects can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and cause your dental crowns to crack or break. If you can’t kick the habit of chewing on hard objects, be sure to chew on the side of your mouth that doesn’t have dental crowns.
2. Grinding or Clenching Teeth
Another common cause of damaged dental crowns is grinding or clenching your teeth. This can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth, or an improper bite. If you grind or clench your teeth, you put a lot of pressure on your teeth which can cause your dental crowns to crack or break. If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is another common cause of damaged dental crowns. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth and around your dental crowns. This can cause your gums to become inflamed and your teeth to become loose. Loose teeth are more likely to crack or break, so it’s important to keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing and flossing regularly.
4. Trauma
Trauma to the mouth is another common cause of damaged dental crowns. If you suffer a blow to the mouth, your dental crowns can crack or break. Trauma can also occur if you fall and hit your mouth on a hard surface. If you play contact sports, it’s important to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from trauma.
5. Wear and Tear
Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns can also wear down over time. This is usually caused by chewing on hard objects, grinding or clenching your teeth, or simply from using your teeth too much. Over time, the enamel on your dental crowns will start to wear away, exposing the underlying metal. This can cause your dental crowns to become loose, crack, or break.
6. Malocclusion Problems
Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth. If your teeth are not properly aligned, it can put excessive force on your dental crowns, which can cause them to become loose, crack, or break.
Conclusion
There are many potential causes of damage to dental crowns. Some of the most common include: wear and tear, poor oral hygiene, clenching or grinding teeth, trauma, and decay. If you suspect that your dental crown is damaged, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
Chestnut Hill Dental offers cosmetic dentistry in Brighton, helping patients with various oral procedures concerning their dental health. We provide standard dental services, teeth whitening, and Invisalign in the area, making our services holistic and for everyone. Learn more about our services by browsing our website today.
