Why Is Preserving Tooth Structures So Important?

Mar 01, 2023

The introduction of modern dental technology has made dental procedures affordable and reliable. But that being the case does not mean you should stop practicing good dental hygiene. As you well know, dental hygiene is the driving force for reaching optimal dental health. Preserving your tooth structures is not only beneficial to your teeth’s appearance since it can also help your teeth stay strong and healthy for an extended period. While your teeth may look basic, they are usually more complex and are part of an intricate network of tissues, bones, and nerves.

Components of a Tooth

It’s important that we list the component of your teeth to help you better understand what your tooth structure comprises of. Below are the components of a tooth:

Gums: They house teeth and protect tooth roots and developing teeth that haven’t protruded

Crown: The crown is the top part of the tooth and is usually the most visible

Enamel: It is the outer layer that covers the tooth and protects it from bacteria. The tooth enamel is the hardest part of the tooth but doesn’t regenerate. Good dental hygiene is critical to keeping the tooth enamel healthy and intact.

Pulp Chamber: This is the part that houses the tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue

Root Canal: The root canal is the part that provides passage to tooth nerves and blood vessels

Neck: It links the crown with the root of the tooth

Cementum: Hard connective tissue that covers the tooth roots

Dentin: This is the layer of material directly situated under the tooth enamel. Damage or wear to this part results in increased tooth sensitivity

Alveolar Bone: Part of the jaw that encompasses tooth roots

Periodontal Ligaments: Tissue fibers that connect tooth roots to their socket

What Can Permanently Damage a Tooth’s Structure?

The natural tooth is resilient and can withstand a lot of pressure and damage. However, the tooth is not invincible; therefore, certain factors can cause permanent damage to its structure. Below are a few examples of things that could result in your teeth permanently losing their structure:

Injuries

Injuries to the face, specifically the mouth region, could result in permanent tooth structure damage or even tooth loss. You can safeguard yourself from some of these injuries by wearing protective like mouth guards when engaging in high-contact sports or high-risk jobs.

Tooth Damage

The natural tooth depends on a solid called the tooth enamel for cavity protection. However, for this shell to be fully effective, it must not have any significant damage, meaning your tooth should not be chipped or fractured. Although tooth damage is often caused by cavities and dental injuries, it can also be caused by other factors, such as bruxism. Alexandria Dentistry can help you correct these injuries before they make your tooth more vulnerable.

Elective Dental Procedures

Elective dental procedures are those that are unnecessary during dental restoration. For example, removing too much of the tooth enamel during cosmetic tooth restorations leading to the loss of essential tooth structures.

Cavities

Decay is a major cause of permanent tooth damage and tooth loss. Tooth cavities, often due to poor oral hygiene, may cause decay to penetrate the tooth enamel and damage the dentin and other crucial tooth structures. Since the tooth cannot heal itself after a cavity infection, you’ll need to visit our dental clinic in Fort Hunt to have your teeth fixed.

How to Preserve Tooth Structures

Knowing the common causes of tooth structure damage is essential in learning how to preserve them. Do the following to protect your tooth structures:

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is not only good for your teeth’s health but can also prevent other health and oral problems. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your teeth clean while avoiding damage to the tooth enamel.

Wear Protective Equipment

Injuries can happen anytime, and some are hard to predict or avoid. Therefore, wear all appropriate protective equipment before playing a high-contact sport or working in an accident-prone environment to lessen the severity of injuries in the unfortunate event that it occurs.

Go for Regular Dental Checkups

Good dental hygiene can only do so much to safeguard your teeth. Cracks and chips can still form on your teeth, especially if you like biting on hard food or surfaces. During a dental checkup, your dentist will inspect your teeth for signs of cavities or damage. They will also look at your tooth structure to see if they may have been affected by dental conditions like bruxism. You may also have your teeth cleaned professionally to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Visit Burton Dentistry for dental checkups and cleaning to preserve tooth structures efficiently.

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