Teeth are strong. They bite through hard taffy and apples, carrots and well-done steak. They've often doubled as scissors, slicers, can openers, and every other tool known to man. But unfortunately, they are not in fact a universal tool. They are not quite that strong. And if you chose to push the limits (or just have an accident) you'll find out the painful way that teeth are not invincible.
Then there was organized sports. Junior Jazz games never ended without at least one injury: a basketball to the face, a jammed finger, an elbow in the eye, or some floor burns. But did that stop us from playing? No way. The same went for local soccer leagues, swim and diving classes, volleyball, and so on. Getting hurt is part of being a kid.
Chips and breaks are usually more serious than fractures. Why? This is because when pieces of your teeth break off, it could expose the living tissue and nerves beneath the hard outer shell. That translates to pain. And often infection.
When the pulp of your tooth gets exposed, bacteria can quickly get inside and infect or kill the tissue of the tooth. Left untreated, this could lead to wider-spread infection, expensive treatment, loss of the tooth, and lots of unnecessary pain.
More subtle injuries are typically fractures. This is when the outer layer of your teeth cracks. Nothing breaks off, and it can begin as a small, painless crack that you don't notice. However, over time, under pressure, the fracture can grow in depth and severity, eventually exposing the sensitive tissue beneath. If you do notice a fracture, try to get it taken care of by a dentist as soon as possible. Save yourself some pain and money by treating it early. If you begin to feel pain or notice a crack, treat it like you would a chip or break and get to the dentist!
There are several ways teeth can be fixed. Sometimes all it takes is a small filling or bonding to "fill in the gap" and reinforce the surface of the teeth. For more cosmetic reasons, you might get a dental veneer - which acts kind of like a fake fingernail, except for your teeth. And much more durable.
For more serious breaks, your cosmetic dentist in Sandy, UT might use a crown or cap, which basically replaces your outer layer of tooth with a strong, tooth-shaped cap. Worst case scenario, you'll have to undergo a root canal (ouch, and yikes) or lose your tooth completely.
So don't deprive your kids the joy and experience of sporting activities because of the possibility of injury. There are plenty of protective measures you can take that ensure their safety and allow them to be a kid!
Then there was organized sports. Junior Jazz games never ended without at least one injury: a basketball to the face, a jammed finger, an elbow in the eye, or some floor burns. But did that stop us from playing? No way. The same went for local soccer leagues, swim and diving classes, volleyball, and so on. Getting hurt is part of being a kid.
Chips and breaks are usually more serious than fractures. Why? This is because when pieces of your teeth break off, it could expose the living tissue and nerves beneath the hard outer shell. That translates to pain. And often infection.
When the pulp of your tooth gets exposed, bacteria can quickly get inside and infect or kill the tissue of the tooth. Left untreated, this could lead to wider-spread infection, expensive treatment, loss of the tooth, and lots of unnecessary pain.
More subtle injuries are typically fractures. This is when the outer layer of your teeth cracks. Nothing breaks off, and it can begin as a small, painless crack that you don't notice. However, over time, under pressure, the fracture can grow in depth and severity, eventually exposing the sensitive tissue beneath. If you do notice a fracture, try to get it taken care of by a dentist as soon as possible. Save yourself some pain and money by treating it early. If you begin to feel pain or notice a crack, treat it like you would a chip or break and get to the dentist!
There are several ways teeth can be fixed. Sometimes all it takes is a small filling or bonding to "fill in the gap" and reinforce the surface of the teeth. For more cosmetic reasons, you might get a dental veneer - which acts kind of like a fake fingernail, except for your teeth. And much more durable.
For more serious breaks, your cosmetic dentist in Sandy, UT might use a crown or cap, which basically replaces your outer layer of tooth with a strong, tooth-shaped cap. Worst case scenario, you'll have to undergo a root canal (ouch, and yikes) or lose your tooth completely.
So don't deprive your kids the joy and experience of sporting activities because of the possibility of injury. There are plenty of protective measures you can take that ensure their safety and allow them to be a kid!
About the Author:
As a dentist in Sandy, UT Nate Lewis has a special interest in the connection between oral health and your overall health. Based on studies and his unequivocal observation of many thousands of patients, he can absolutely tell you that proper dental care will improve your quality and length of life.
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