It’s no secret that many Americans suffer from poor dental health. According to the CDC, over one-third of adults in the United States have severe tooth decay. Decay can cause serious problems, including pain and infection. In some cases, the damage is so severe that the tooth can no longer be saved. Having severely damaged teeth can make eating, talking, and even smiling challenging.

What Causes Severely Damaged Teeth

• Cavities

Cavities are one of the leading causes of severely damaged teeth. Cavities form when plaque buildup on the teeth breaks down the enamel, causing holes to form. If cavities are not treated, they can cause severe dental damage, including infection.

• Break Down of Enamal

Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and it’s what gives them strength and hardness. However, it is also very fragile and can be easily damaged by acidic foods and drinks, sugary snacks, and even everyday activities like brushing your teeth too hard. Once the enamel is damaged, it starts to break down, and that’s when you begin to see significant tooth decay.

• Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to several serious dental issues. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that live in the plaque, a sticky film of food debris, saliva, and bacteria, on your teeth. If gum disease is not treated, it can progress from gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) to periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Periodontitis damages the tissues and bones that support your teeth.

• Mouth Injury

When it comes to mouth injuries, severely damaged teeth are often the result. A fall or accident is one of the most common ways a tooth may be injured. When you fall, your mouth can hit the ground hard enough to crack or break your teeth. Another way is by being hit with a hard object like a baseball.

• Teeth Grinding

A new study by the University of Manchester found that most people with severely damaged teeth also had bruxism (teeth grinding). The researchers believe that the damage is caused by the constant grinding of the teeth, which wears down the enamel and causes cavities. The study also found that people who grind their teeth are more likely to have other dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

What Are the Symptoms of Severely Damaged Teeth

• Severely damaged teeth can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Here are some of the most common symptoms of severely damaged teeth:
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures: If your teeth are severely damaged, you may find that they are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This is because the enamel has been worn down, and the nerves are exposed.
• Pain when chewing: Damaged teeth can be excruciating to chew on. You may find that you avoid chewing altogether because it is too painful.
• Visible damage: Severely damaged teeth often have visible damage, such as cracks, chips, or discoloration.

What To Do If You Have Severely Damaged Teeth

There are a few different treatments available for severely damaged teeth, and the best option for you will depend on the extent of the damage. If your tooth is only slightly chipped or cracked, your dentist may be able to repair it with a filling or crown. Veneers may be used to fix the appearance of damaged teeth. More severe damage may require a root canal to remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth. In extreme cases, your tooth may need to be extracted and an implant or bridge fitted to replace the lost tooth.

No matter how severe the damage to your teeth is or what treatment is needed, the first step is to call your dentist! The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely your smile can be saved! The friendly experts at Dental Remedies are eager to help you grin again.