Causes of changes to your bite – It’s more than you think! Part 1

This is the wearing way of tooth structure, starting with the enamel, and then the dentine and even exposing the pulp (nerve)!!

Growing up

Loss of teeth

Teeth are important to us at Seymour Dental! However, every so often there comes a time for their removal. Some causes include decay, gum disease, impaction, cracks, trauma and other conditions that destroy teeth such as tumours. The tooth can be become weak and unusable due to loss of tooth structure and/or loss of bone around the tooth. Cracks in the tooth structure allow bacteria to enter the body and unfortunately no filling or other treatment can save the tooth. In some situations, removing a tooth can save other teeth from bacteria collecting next to them. There are decisions to be made before the removal of a tooth, such as health, medication and anatomical considerations, during a procedure and then there is post-operative care and warnings to be taken on board.

Loose teeth

Orthodontic treatment

Broken teeth

Decay (causing loss of tooth structure)

Decay feeds on the dentine of the tooth. The dentine consists of microtubules (micro tubes) the connect to the pulp (including the nerve). These tubes get larger as the approach the nerve meaning more space for the bacteria to invade the tooth.

Also, if there is a crack in the tooth, bacteria travel along the crack deeper in the tooth and not into the microtubules.

Fun fact: bacteria need to release chemicals to breakdown the dentine structure before itself, before it can digest it. So, the deepest layer of decay does not have bacteria in it.

Fractured teeth

However, even when there has been no decay, excessive grinding of the teeth due to stress or habit can lead to cracks and fractures. In severe situations cracks can still occur under crowns and teeth without filling can split down the middle causing the loss of the tooth.

Split teeth

Gastric Reflux

Reflux can wear away the outer layer of the teeth (the enamel) on the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces. This also called erosion. When the enamel starts to wear away, you may begin to notice sensitivity to hot and cold drinks, the teeth becoming more yellow in colour, some of the fillings may stick out more, teeth may change shape, and you may start needing more fillings!

Another indirect effect is caused by the reflux medications, which can make you produce less saliva. Saliva is needed to cleanse the teeth and keep them strong, so less saliva can mean your teeth are more prone to developing cavities.