Teeth are like the Superman of body parts, incredibly strong and resilient. The enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone!

Unfortunately, as tough as your teeth are, they are not immune to damage.

When toothache starts to gnaw away at you (excuse the pun), how can you tell what the cause of the problem is?

To save you some time, we've done the research for you. Here are the most common types of tooth damage:

Tooth Decay

78% of Americans have had at least 1 cavity before they turn 17 years old. In fact, tooth decay is very common and it is second only to the common cold.

Enamel forms a protective layer around your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss thoroughly, your enamel may wear away, leading to tooth disorders such as decay or cavities.

The good news is, your enamel can repair itself. Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up.

White spots on your teeth are an early warning sign of decay. If you notice these spots forming, try consuming less sugar and starch. Bacteria feed on these ingredients, so reducing your intake will slow the spread of bad bacteria.

Tooth Sensitivity

If you experience sharp pain when you consume something hot or cold, the enamel on your teeth may be weak.

When your enamel erodes, the nerves in your teeth will be more sensitive to the hot and cold items you consume, and this will hurt.

If you experience sensitivity, book a dentist appointment. Your dentist will diagnose the cause of the problem and prevent further damage.

A Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can be caused by a number of things. Injury or trauma to the mouth, teeth grinding, or biting down on hard objects can all cause your tooth to crack.

The symptoms of a cracked tooth include pain when chewing and temperature sensitivity. Sharp edges from the cracked tooth may also cut your tongue.

A dental crown will protect the remainder of the tooth from further damage. Follow this link to learn more about Dental Crowns.

Depending on the extent of the crack, you may require a root canal procedure to properly treat the damage.

If you have cracked your tooth, visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further tooth problems.

A Chipped Tooth

Unlike other types of tooth damage that can be difficult to spot, chipped teeth are easily noticeable. This is because it is often our front teeth that get damaged.

Our front teeth are more exposed and bear the brunt of our injuries. People commonly chip their teeth as a result of facial trauma or from trying to open something with their teeth.

A chipped front tooth can negatively impact your speech and appearance, leading to low self-esteem. Luckily, a quick visit to your dentist can fix the problem.

Your dentist can hide the missing part of your tooth by filling the gap with a strong resin. If the chip is very large, your dentist may recommend a crown.

Don’t Let Tooth Damage Get You Down

Now you know which red flags to look out for to spot tooth damage.

If you have a damaged tooth, visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further problems. Your dentist will ease your pain and restore your smile in no time!

Browse through our other dental articles for more helpful information!