November 2022

Most people want perfectly healthy teeth, and in most cases, getting the healthy, beautiful smile you dream of isn’t out of reach. However, tooth damage can be a major stumbling block, and it can also cause significant pain and discomfort.Poor oral hygiene often leads to tooth damage, however, it is not the only cause. Accidents can cause a tooth to get chipped or cracked, which leaves nerve endings exposed to the outside elements and triggers pain receptors in the teeth.Regardless of how your tooth became damaged, we’re here to help. Dr. Nicole Manigault, a dentist in Elkin, has put together this blog to help you discover how you can save your damaged tooth.Causes of Tooth DamageIt is common knowledge that tooth decay is one of the major causes of tooth damage. However, it isn’t the only one on this list. The following segment covers all of the causes of tooth damage that you should know about.Poor Oral HygienePoor oral hygiene causes plaque to build up in the teeth. Plaque usually contains acid that can cause problems for your enamel. Acid creates holes and erodes the protective outer layer of your tooth. Eventually, this leaves your tooth exposed, which causes you to be extra sensitive to hot and cold foods. This is usually the first stage of a tooth cavity.Hits to the FaceA cracked tooth is usually the result of a massive impact to the teeth, which causes a piece of the tooth to break off. This leaves the dentin and nerve endings exposed depending on how bad the break is. Leaving this type of tooth damage unattended can lead to severe dental problems.Poor DietYou’ve likely heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” This principle applies to every part of your body, including your teeth. Not eating enough foods that are rich in calcium and other important minerals can be a huge blow to your dental health. Your teeth need essential minerals to keep them healthy and strong. Without these minerals, your teeth can become weak and vulnerable to the bacteria that accumulate from sugary and starchy foods.Cavities and Tooth Decay Tooth cavities develop when plaque erodes the minerals in the enamel and starts to eat into the affected tooth, leaving a hole. This hole in the tooth, if left unattended, causes tooth decay.This kind of tooth decay happens in the late stage of a cavity. A cavity destroys the tooth’s structure because it affects the outer layer, the enamel, and the dentin layer.Can a Damaged Tooth Be Saved?Yes, a damaged tooth can be saved. Depending on the nature of the damage, there are restorative dental treatments you can receive to heal it. All you need to do is contact your dentist as soon as possible.Dental Treatments and Remedies for Damaged TeethThe types of dental treatments for damaged teeth vary, and some are better than others depending on the cause of the damage. The following restorative dental treatments and home remedies can help you heal a damaged tooth before it becomes too damaged and needs to be extracted.Root CanalsRoot canals are a common restorative treatment for tooth decay. As the name suggests, they are used when the decay has reached the tooth’s root canal.Dental FillingsDental fillings are used to treat cracked teeth and cavities. This dental treatment uses bonding materials like gold, resin, porcelain, and other mouth-friendly substances.Improvements To Your Oral Hygiene RoutineTooth decay will not happen if you practice good dental hygiene habits every day. Brushing twice a day with fluoride teeth goes a long way in keeping your teeth healthy. When your teeth are healthy and clean, you’re much less likely to be affected by tooth damage. Improvements To Your Diet With Foods Rich in CalciumEating foods that are rich in calcium is essential for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Calcium helps strengthen the enamel layer against acid, which is especially important when you eat sugary foods or drink acidic drinks.Where To Get a Restorative Dental Treatment in Elkin, NCAt ManiDental Family Dentistry, it is our mission to help you achieve your smile goals. We can provide you with a restorative dental treatment in Elkin, NC to save your damaged tooth before it’s too late to save it. Our team of experienced dental professionals has been trained to provide you with compassionate and effective dental care.Contact us now to schedule an appointment and discover all of the ways we can help you!

Saving Your Damaged Tooth: Tips from Your Elkin Dentist

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