Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Almost everyone has had a nightmare about losing or damaging their teeth. Part of the fear is knowing that —unlike other bad dreams (like that monster you can’t hide from)—losing an adult tooth can really happen Knowing what a weak tooth is and the symptoms can set you up for keeping your pearly whites safe and secure. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is a Weak Tooth?
A weak tooth means the structural integrity of the enamel is compromised. This can happen in many different ways:
- Slow erosion caused by acidic food and drink
- Tiny cracks from grinding or clenching teeth
- Traumatic injury to the mouth
Regular dentist appointments (every six months) are the best way to ensure your teeth are in good condition. A dentist can spot problem areas and instruct you on preventative measures you can take to best protect your teeth.
If you don’t visit a dentist as often, it may be difficult to know your tooth is weak until the symptoms appear. A loose tooth or constant toothache is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. It’s important to listen to these signals and schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as you recognize these symptoms.
In the meantime (and depending on how much your tooth is in pain or wiggling), stick to softer foods. Bite or chew on the other side of your mouth to give your weak tooth a break.
Treatment
The best method of treatment for a weak tooth is having a dentist put in a dental crown. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal and act as a permanent protective cap over your tooth.
A dentist will perform this service over two appointments. In the first appointment, your dentist will look at your weak tooth by taking x-rays to determine the extent of the damage.
As long as there is no damage done to the root or surrounding bone, the dentist will prepare your tooth for a crown. This may require the dentist to fill part of your tooth if you have any chips or cracks.
Every tooth is different, so the dentist will take an impression of your mouth so the crown can be made. The second appointment will involve the actual securing of the dental crown to your weak tooth.
Weak Tooth Prevention
You’ve heard it over and over since you were a child: brush and floss your teeth in the morning and before bed. Proper dental hygiene is the best prevention against cavities, gum disease, and weak teeth. Keeping your dentist appointment at six-month intervals is also crucial for the health of your mouth.
Wearing a guard at night may not sound appealing, but if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, that can cause tiny fractures to your teeth and weaken them.
Save Your Smile
Now that you know what a weak tooth is and how to deal with it, you’re set to protect your teeth. For more information on how to stay healthy and live better, check out our Lifestyle archive.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about Perfect Dentist then visit our Health category.
