People often wonder what causes weak teeth. While there are several causes, a lack of routine dental care is a major contributor. If you have weak teeth, there are things you can do to minimise damage. Treatment is also available for a weak tooth, like a dental crown.
The Anatomy of a Tooth
To understand what causes weak teeth, it is crucial to know the structure and function of a healthy tooth.
The pulp, or inside of your tooth, contains blood supply, nerves, and connective tissue that runs down to the root.
The middle layer consists of dentin, a hard, yellow, porous substance.
Tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, covers these underlying tissues, providing structure and protection.
Because enamel is mainly composed of minerals with no living cells, it can’t repair itself from decay or injury.
What Causes Weak Teeth?
Weak enamel has many causes, and most people with weak teeth experience a combination of sources.
Genetics
Researchers have discovered a genetic component in weak enamel. Unfortunately, no matter how good your oral hygiene or diet is, you may be genetically dispositioned for weak teeth. Companies are using this research to develop products for people with weak enamel. Routine dental care is still essential for this group.
High-sugar diet
Acid and bacteria cause tooth decay. Sugars and starches, particularly those that stick to your teeth and gums, feed oral bacteria and create acid that eats away tooth enamel and teeth treated with dental crowns, leading to weak teeth.
Avoid sticky candy, soft bread, potato chips, and anything that dries out your mouth, like alcohol and some medications. If you require medication that causes dry mouth, ask your dentist about a fluoride rinse.
However, certain foods can help improve oral health:
- Fluoridated water
- Products that increase salivation like sugar-free gum, high fibre fruits and vegetables, and cheese
- Dairy products contain minerals that help rebuild tooth enamel
- Green and black tea contain polyphenols, which inhibit bacteria from growing or producing acid
Soft drinks
Most soft drinks contain a lot of added sugar, leading to increased acid erosion. Even artificially sweetened soft drinks contain at least one type of acid that contributes to enamel loss and weak teeth. Due to excess sugar consumption, acid erosion can prematurely wear down dental crowns and other restorative dental work.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, causes weak teeth by physically damaging tooth enamel.
Treatment of a tooth damaged by bruxism may include a dental crown.
Chronic health conditions
Some health conditions can harm oral health. Any condition that causes repetitive vomiting, like pregnancy or bulimia, can severely erode tooth enamel and your dental crown. Any condition that prevents the absorption of nutrients, like coeliac disease or anorexia nervosa, leads to weak enamel, which is more easily damaged.
How Do I Know If I Have Weak Teeth?
It’s essential to understand what causes weak teeth. If you have any of the following signs, you should see your dentist.
- Yellow discolouration
- Transparent teeth
- White spots
- Multiple cavities
- Cracks
What Do I Do if I Have Weak Teeth?
The first step if you think you have weak teeth is to make an appointment with your dentist. Routine dental care is imperative. There are several treatments your dentist may recommend.
Dental crown
Dental crowns are common in people with weak teeth. After a physical or digital impression is made of existing teeth, your dentist shapes the surface of the affected tooth to accommodate the dental crown.
Once the dental crown is complete, your dentist uses dental cement to attach it to the existing tooth. You should avoid hard or sticky foods for 24 to 48 hours after getting a dental crown to minimise the risk of pulling it loose.
Some dentists, including No Gaps Dental, offer CEREC dental crowns. These dental crowns use CAD/CAM technology to create a digital mock-up of your crown. They are milled on-site from a block of zirconia ceramic and fitted the same day so you can avoid having a temporary dental crown placed.
Tooth bonding
Dental bonding is when the dentist applies a composite that has been colour matched to your teeth and hardens it with a UV light. It’s often used to conceal chips and discolouration. It can last three to seven years with proper care. However, it is a less durable option than dental crowns.
Veneers
Getting veneers involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s front surface and attaching porcelain or ceramic tooth-coloured material. Veneers can instantly improve your smile and simultaneously mask several imperfections caused by weak teeth. However, the process is irreversible once the dentist removes the layer of enamel.
Composite fillings
Several types of filling materials are available, including amalgam or gold alloy; however, composite fillings are the most aesthetically pleasing. Composite fillings are made from a combination of powdered glass and acrylic. Your dentist can match the colour to that of your teeth for a seamless smile.
However, in teeth with several cavities or deep decay, you may need a large filling that could weaken the tooth’s structure further. In this case, your dentist may prescribe dental crowns to preserve the tooth’s structural integrity.
The Advantages of a Dental Crown on a Weak Tooth
Dental crowns last 10-15 years on average and, with proper care, can last much longer, making them a more durable option than bonding or a dental filling. Veneers are generally used for aesthetic purposes, while dental crowns repair damaged or broken teeth. Dental crowns provide a stronger and longer-lasting result.
Treat Your Weak Teeth with No Gaps Dental
Knowing what causes weak teeth is just the start. If you have weak teeth, you need regular dental care and may benefit from restorative dentistry like dental crowns.
No Gaps Dental offers preventative dentistry and restorative dental services to protect and manage your oral health. We have 15 offices located throughout the Sydney metro area. Contact us on (02) 8806 0227 to schedule your next dental check-up.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
What’s the Hardest Substance in the Human Body?
Hardest Substance in the Human Body: All About Tooth Enamel (healthline.com)
The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth
The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding | healthdirect
Top Signs You May Have Weak Enamel
Top Signs You May Have Weak Enamel – Your Dental Health Resource
Veneers vs. Crowns: What Are the Differences?
Veneers vs. Crowns: What to Know (verywellhealth.com)
Dental Bonding: What You Need to Know
Dental Bonding Risks, Benefits & Longevity – RealSelf
Amelogenesis imperfecta
Amelogenesis imperfecta | Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)