Brittle Teeth: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

A combination of genetic factors can affect your enamel. For instance, you may have naturally soft enamel. Genetic predisposition may also determine the structure and characteristics of the sub enamel (dentin). Your teeth may be prone to fracture or damage.

Periodontitis is an infection or inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria, usually because of improper dental hygiene. In the early stages, periodontal disease does not cause tissue damage. But left untreated, the condition deteriorates into severe periodontitis.

This condition can cause deep gaps in your gum line from tissue retraction from your teeth. In severe cases, periodontitis makes your teeth fragile and prone to falling out.

The habitual act of grinding your teeth during sleep or while chewing food creates undesired friction on the teeth. Not surprisingly, repeated grinding and clenching weakens the enamel. In turn, the enamel wears away, exposing your teeth to fracture.

Your teeth require minerals and vitamins to maintain healthy enamel. Any deficiencies in essential nutrients makes your teeth weak and prone to breakage. For instance, you need an abundance of Vitamin A for strong, healthy enamel. Low levels of Vitamin A cause brittle teeth.

Vitamin D deficiencies can result in inadequate absorption of essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, both of which promote strengthened enamel. Nutritional deficiencies come from a poor diet, eating disorders and sometimes certain medications that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

The consistent food choices you make either promote enamel strength or weaken it. If you take an acidic and sugar-rich diet, it will cause brittle teeth. A diet that contains an overabundance of highly acidic fruits such as grapes and carbonated soft drinks can deteriorate your enamel.

Improper dental care predisposes your teeth to decay, lack of pulp, and cavities. Eventually, the teeth grow weak and brittle. Similarly, inadequate fluoride predisposes your teeth to erosion. The solution is to brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste, which fights off bacteria and germs and promotes the maintenance of strong teeth.

A long-term excess of vomiting is highly detrimental to teeth, regardless of cause. Vomit contains high contents of stomach acid. Three reasons why someone might endure long periods of vomiting are:

• Gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD)

• Morning sickness

• Eating disorders

Older teeth are prone to brittle enamel because of prolonged contact with acidic foods. Moreover, the aging process along causes the nerves running through the teeth to shrink. As a result, there is little fluid flowing into the enamel, which causes dryness.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic condition caused by the inadequate formation of the dentin, leading to the abnormal formation of the teeth' middle layer. It causes issues such as discolored teeth or weakened teeth.

Fluoride mineral prevents cavity and tooth decay. A dentist may recommend fluoride supplements and gels to revitalize and strengthen weak teeth. They exist in the form of tablets, oral drops, and chewing gums.

They are customized porcelains cemented over the teeth to promote dental restoration. Crowns cover the whole tooth, while veneers cover only the frontal part of the enamel. Besides improving cosmetic appeal, crowns and veneers form a thick cover that prevents breakage.

Chewing surfaces have deep grooves that are not easy to clean. Thus, they are vulnerable to tooth decay or cavities. Dentists may put plastic coatings on the chewing surface to prevent erosion. Sealants also form strong protection against chipping or breakage.