What Causes Brittle Teeth?

9 March 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Teeth by nature are very hard and strong, allowing you to bite and chew a variety of different textured foods. While this is true, they can still be damaged, especially if they become brittle. When teeth are brittle, they are susceptible to cracking and falling out. You have to be very careful when you have brittle teeth, because just biting on something hard could cause a tooth to break. Brittle teeth come from many different causes, from dental conditions to health conditions. Here are the most common causes of brittle teeth.

Periodontal Disease

One of the most common causes of brittle teeth is having periodontal disease. This is the advanced form of gum disease that progresses from gingivitis. When you have gingivitis, the inflammation causes red and swollen gums, as well as bleeding gums. If you don't get it treated, it can turn into periodontal disease, which compromises your teeth, jaw bones, and gums. Brittle teeth are a common problem with this disease. The more the disease develops, the more brittle your teeth can become. The best thing to do is see your dentist regularly for proper gum disease treatment.

Osteoporosis

Your teeth can also become brittle from certain conditions that aren't necessarily dental health issues, such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become brittle. As you age, this can also cause your teeth to become brittle. If you have a low jaw bone density due to the disease, your teeth are more brittle and therefore more susceptible to breaking or falling out. When you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, you should see your dentist to get recommendations for strengthening your teeth.

Nerve Tissue Problems

Any changes in your nerves can lead to brittle teeth. If you have damaged or reduced nerve tissue, then you have a lower amount of nerve tissue being stimulated. Your teeth will feel the effects of the nerve issue and without proper nerve activity, it can actually cause your teeth to become brittle. By seeing you regularly, your dentist can diagnose you early on with nerve problems and help you find a logical solution.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is another type of disease that affects different parts of your body, including your mouth. It can lead to bone loss, a bad taste in your mouth, and bad breath. When you have kidney disease, your jawbone is affected, as well as your teeth. You risk having brittle teeth that break extremely easily, or that become loose due to the low bone density in your jaw bone. This is from the lack of calcium being processed in your body, which is needed for strong teeth.

If your family has a history of any of these problems, a clinic specializing in family dentistry can help all of you.