Contents:

  1. Causes of cracks in tooth enamel

  2. How do enamel cracks manifest and why are they dangerous?

  3. Treatment of cracks in tooth enamel

  4. Prevention of crack formation

Cracks in the enamel are a common problem that more than half of people face. At first, they appear as barely noticeable lines on the teeth, but over time they may increase and change color.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not only an aesthetic defect — the split can spread to the deeper tissues and even to the root of the tooth, leading to its destruction.

At an early stage, microcracks can be sealed with a photopolymer varnish or restored using composite material, while in the case of a deep fracture, a veneer or crown may be required.

At Oxford Medical, experienced dentists use high-tech equipment available in the clinic to treat enamel cracks using the most advanced techniques. These allow the tooth to be preserved and its aesthetics restored even in cases of significant damage.

Causes of cracks in tooth enamel

Enamel is the protective layer of the tooth. It completely covers the crown and protects it from bacteria and food irritants. However, despite the high density of the tissue, it can also be damaged.

The causes of cracks in tooth enamel include:

  • simultaneous consumption of very hot and cold drinks or foods;

  • biting nuts or other hard products;

  • teeth grinding at night (bruxism);

  • use of toothpastes with large abrasive particles;

  • imbalance of vitamins and minerals in the body;

  • bite anomalies, and others.

How do enamel cracks manifest and why are they dangerous?

As a rule, thin light lines that resemble scratches first appear on the teeth. They do not differ in color from the rest of the tooth and do not cause pain or discomfort. Because of this, many people do not pay much attention to the problem and do not see a dentist.

Dentists at Oxford Medical warn that without treatment, the size of the cracks gradually increases, they become deeper and reach the dentin — the middle layer of the tooth. Under the influence of food dyes, their edges darken, and the defect becomes more noticeable. In addition, the accumulation of food and bacterial plaque in the cracks may lead to the development of caries.

Also, with deep or multiple cracks, the fragility of the teeth increases, which can lead to chips, fractures of the crown, or even the root.

Treatment of cracks in tooth enamel

When scratches, cracks, or other defects appear on the enamel, you should immediately consult a dentist. The smaller the damage, the easier it is to eliminate.

During the consultation, the doctor first examines and assesses the condition of the teeth. Sometimes, for more precise diagnosis, a miniature intraoral camera or dental microscope is used, as well as X-ray diagnostics.

The treatment plan is created individually. It depends on the depth, size, location, and number of cracks on the tooth enamel. The patient may need:

  • enamel remineralization – application of a special preparation to the teeth that strengthens them;

  • grinding and coating of the tooth with photopolymer varnish;

  • restoration – reconstruction of the upper layer of the tooth using composite material;

  • installation of a veneer – a thin ceramic plate covering the front surface of the tooth;

  • installation of a crown – recommended in cases of severe tooth destruction when other methods are ineffective.

For microcracks, remineralization and photopolymer coating are usually performed. This allows restoration of the enamel structure and prevents its further destruction.

Restoration is recommended for deeper, pigmented cracks, chips, or other defects. During the procedure, the dentist removes damaged tissue, then applies a thin layer of composite material to the tooth and restores its anatomical shape and aesthetic appearance.

Veneers perform a similar function to restoration — they cover the front surface of the tooth, replacing the enamel. They are made individually in a dental laboratory and then attached to the tooth using dental adhesive.

In some cases, cracks combined with tooth chipping or caries are an indication for prosthetics. The crown completely covers the upper part of the tooth and helps protect it from further destruction.

Prevention of crack formation

To prevent the appearance of cracks in the enamel, it is recommended to:

  • carefully maintain oral hygiene;

  • use toothbrushes with medium or soft bristles and non-abrasive toothpastes;

  • avoid simultaneous consumption of very hot and cold foods;

  • not crack nut shells or other hard products with your teeth;

  • eat a balanced diet to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies;

  • reduce the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks that negatively affect enamel;

  • avoid smoking;

  • visit the dentist every 6 months.

Regular visits to the dentist are the key to healthy teeth. By monitoring the patient’s condition, the doctor can recommend individual preventive measures and diagnose cracks, caries, or other diseases at an early stage, when the damage to the tooth is minimal.

You can have a dental examination and treat enamel cracks in Kyiv at the high-tech medical center Oxford Medical. The clinics are located in central districts of the city.

To book an appointment, call the contact center or leave a request on the website.

Sources:
National Library of Medicine
Biomedcentral
Sagepub