Some oral health concerns can have consequences that aren’t obvious at first. When these consequences do start to become noticeable, you may not realize that they’re the result of a condition you’ve experienced for a while now. In some cases, these consequences may include various levels of damage to your healthy, natural tooth structure. The cause and consequences of this damage can differ for everyone, and on the first steps to successfully restoring your smile could be identifying the specific reason why your tooth has become damaged.

Accidental trauma to the mouth or face

If you experience accidental trauma to your face or mouth, then the source of your tooth damage might not be a mystery. This may be an automobile accident, an accidental blow to the face, a severe fall, or other instances that put your face or mouth under immense pressure. However, unless you have your emergency addressed as soon as possible and assess the damage to your teeth and mouth, you might not immediately realize that one or more of your teeth have been damaged. If they aren’t restored soon, then the damage can grow significantly worse, and have an even more negative impact on your overall oral health.

An underlying bruxism problem

Bruxism is the chronic grinding of your teeth, and it can be the result of one or more underlying oral health concerns that you may or may not be aware of. Because many people experience bruxism without realizing it, it’s possible to experience different levels of tooth wear and damage before you recognize the problem and have your dentist address it. For many people, bruxism can be managed with a custom-designed oral appliance designed specifically to help them prevent tooth wear and damage. However, if your teeth have already been affected, then restoring their health and integrity may be necessary, as well.

A tooth has grown weak from decay

Tooth decay, which is the reason behind cavity development, can damage your tooth in different ways than excessive force or pressure. When a tooth starts to decay, it means that harmful oral bacteria have begun to infect the tooth’s main structure, known as dentin. The cavity that forms in the wake of the decay is one manifestation of the damage to your tooth. After your dentist cleans the cavity, filling it with biocompatible, tooth-colored resin can restore the tooth’s strength and integrity while preserving its healthy, natural appearance.

Learn more about preventing tooth damage

Your tooth might become damaged for a variety of potential reasons, but you have a good chance of avoiding it if you recognize the risks to your teeth. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.