September signifies the end of summer and the beginning of the fall season. Although we are still feeling the heat in Jacksonville Beach, the signs of fall are all around. There is no shortage of pumpkin spice flavoring, apples, and fall decor. One popular treat that is enjoyed around this time are caramel or candy apples. Although delicious, these sweets are a dentist’s worst nightmare. Aside from the high sugar content that sticks to teeth and can lead to cavities, caramel can be a culprit of another damage-causing emergency — a cracked tooth. While the enamel on the outside of your teeth is the strongest substance in the body, it isn’t indestructible.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become broken in some way. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your tooth is split all the way through, as you can experience various types of tooth cracks. There are a variety of ways to crack a tooth such as:
- Chewing something hard or crunchy
- Grinding your teeth
- Suffering trauma
- Delaying needed treatment
- Large fillings that have weakened the tooth
- Age
No matter the reason for the damage, it is imperative that you contact our office as soon as possible to determine what measures need to be taken to restore the function of your tooth.
Ways to Restore Your Tooth
The severity of the crack and how soon you are seen in our office will determine the type of repair your tooth will need. The fix can be something as simple as a dental filling or bonding, depending on the placement of the tooth. For more serious repairs, we may suggest a lengthier procedure such as a dental crown. When the damage is on one of the front teeth, we may suggest a dental veneer to provide the stability and support needed to make the repair.
At Parker and Pennington Dentistry, we help patients in Jacksonville Beach, FL and surrounding areas with their dental needs. If you think you might have a cracked tooth, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
