Weak Teeth — What They Are, What Causes Them, and What to Look Out For
From a very young age, we’re all told about the importance of dental hygiene and proper ways of taking care of our teeth. Unfortunately, some people can have issues with their teeth even if they take good care of them, which usually happens to people with weak teeth.
You are much more susceptible to various dental problems if you have weak teeth. So if you want to know what causes this issue, the symptoms, and how to prevent weak teeth, you’ve come to the right place.
What Are Weak Teeth and What Causes Them?
Weak teeth are teeth that have a low mineral content in the enamel and dentin layers or, in simpler terms, the outer and inner layers of the tooth. These layers provide support and structure to your teeth and ensure they’re protected from damage and decay.
Multiple factors can cause weak teeth, and while poor dental hygiene is one of them, it’s not the only one. So if you brush and floss regularly but still have damaged and weak teeth that don’t have enough minerals, here are a couple of possible culprits:
Bad Genetics
Genetics plays a big part in determining what kind of teeth someone will have. That means that if your parents have weak teeth and naturally weaker enamel, there is a much higher chance you will inherit this issue from them.
Certain Medical Conditions
Even though it seems strange, some medical conditions can directly contribute to weaker teeth. One of the most common ones is acid reflux. People who suffer from this condition are exposing their teeth to stomach acid, which can cause the tooth enamel to erode over time.
Medication
Saliva is very important because it helps neutralize acids in the mouth. However, some medications can reduce natural saliva production, which can, in turn, increase the chances of your teeth becoming more fragile and susceptible to all sorts of damage.
A Bad Diet
The types of food you eat can influence your oral health. If you consume foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acids, over time, the enamel on your teeth will start to erode.
What Are the Symptoms of Weak Teeth?
There can be multiple different symptoms of weak teeth, and they vary from person to person, depending on how severe the individual’s condition is. That being said, these are the most common symptoms related to weak teeth:
Sensitivity to foods and drinks that are either too hot or too cold.
Discoloration processess that make the teeth look more yellow or brown as opposed to white.
Cracks, chips, and breaks on teeth.
Cavities on multiple teeth that occur easily.
All of these symptoms are caused due to lack of the mineral content your teeth need.
How to Prevent Weak Teeth
If you’re serious about maintaining good dental health, preventing weak teeth should be at the top of your priority list. And here are a few tips that can help you do that:
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Good dental health starts from great hygiene, so brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night is important. That will help remove plaque and tartar buildups that are often responsible for weak teeth.
It’s also important to remember that not all toothpaste is made equal, and if you want to prevent weak teeth, you need to use toothpaste with fluoride.
Fluoride toothpaste is known to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities, so it’s the best option for those with weak teeth and those who want to prevent this condition.
Watch What You Eat
As we already mentioned, your diet can have a big impact on teeth sensitivity and weakness, which is why it’s important to watch what you eat and have a balanced diet. Try to limit the amount of sugary and acidic foods and drinks you consume, and cut them out completely if possible. Removing soda is a good first step.
Drink plenty of Water
Some people think brushing after every meal is necessary, but that’s excessive. Brushing too often can cause damage to the teeth, especially if you’re not using the right type of toothbrush. However, it’s still smart to remove food particles from your mouth regularly.
One of the easiest ways to do that is to get plenty of water in. This simple act will not only keep you hydrated but will also wash away any leftover food particles that get stuck on your teeth and gums during a meal.
How to Treat Weak Teeth
Even though prevention is always the best route, millions still suffer from weak teeth. But that shouldn’t worry you because there are multiple ways you can treat this condition.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist and get regular checkups so they will be able to detect any problem with your teeth or gums right away. They will also recommend the best treatment for weak teeth and adjust it based on the severity of your condition.
Some of the most common treatment options include fillings, dental implants, and root canals, and in extreme cases, when the tooth can’t be saved, your dentist will have to perform an extraction. However, the most common recommendation for weak teeth is dental crowns.
Durable dental crowns are often recommended to patients whose teeth are damaged beyond repair, but they’re also a great solution for weak teeth because they strengthen the tooth itself.
These crowns can be used to fill in a gap caused by removing a large cavity, be placed over an implant, and fix any holes or chips in a tooth. They can greatly improve not just the health of your weak teeth but also the shape and appearance of any tooth they’re placed over.
