Cracked tooth enamel: symptoms and treatment.

Understanding Tooth Enamel and Why It's Important

When it comes to dental health, there is nothing of more importance than understanding the role of our tooth enamel. This extraordinarily robust layer of your teeth serves as the primary defence against all sorts of oral threats. It's equivalent to the armour on a medieval knight; although, unlike a knight's shiny suit, it's transparent. Valerie, my better half, likes to refer to tooth enamel as the secret invisible shield of our teeth. And believe me, with our son Lachlan's insatiable sweet tooth, I am glad this 'shield' exists.

What's interesting is that tooth enamel is the hardest substance produced by the human body - harder than our bones. So now, when you say to someone, "You're hard-headed," you could technically assert, "You're tooth enameled!" Incredible, isn't it? Wonder if that'd catch on? Anyone's game to give it a whirl?

Cracking the Case of the Tooth Enamel Crack

However, even the hardest substance in the body isn't invincible, folks. Extreme pressure, abrupt changes in temperature, and acid erosion can lead to what we call "Cracked tooth enamel." It's one of those things you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy, or even your favourite English football team's rivals. Sneaky little pain grenades, they are, and no poking fun here, mate. They can be at the core of everything from hypersensitivity to serious tooth fractures. They can also play hide and seek as symptoms may not be visible immediately.

As a matter of personal reflection, I remember recklessly cracking a window pane with a cricket ball as a kid. I felt nothing at the moment until I faced the wrath of my mum later. Cracked tooth enamel is kind of similar. You can be living your carefree life one moment, and then comes that sharp shooting pain in your tooth out of nowhere. Surprise!

Unmasking the Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Enamel

Cracked tooth enamel isn't always explicit, which is arguably the most confounding part about it. Some people experience sharp pain while munching on their food, while others might experience discomfort when encountering hot or cold food or drink. And for some, there might be no symptoms at all!

My kiddo Lachlan had a slightly different encounter with tooth enamel crack. A visibly minor chip on his tooth turned into a tiny fissure, which only started bothering him when he bit into his beloved ice cream one day. And that, my friends, is the power of ice cream - not only does it soothe the soul but also uncovers hidden dental issues. A superhero dessert it is!

Decoding the Causes of Cracked Tooth Enamel

Cracked tooth enamel can happen because of a variety of reasons. It could stem from natural wear and tear, excessive teeth grinding, biting on hard food or objects, or trauma to the mouth, which I find synonymous with wrestling with my son over the TV remote. Age can also be a significant factor. As we get older, our teeth become less tough and more prone to cracks, a fact that Valerie often enlightens me about.

Moreover, anything that involves drastic temperature changes can fracture the tooth enamel, like drinking hot coffee after a scoop of ice cream. I wish I'd known this earlier. There might be a chance, I reckon, that my devotion to this dessert-coffee ritual could have spared me that painful dental visit last month.

Guided Tour to Diagnosis Land

Identifying a cracked tooth enamel is a skill best left to the professionals - the ones sporting white coats and always asking us to open our mouths wider. A physical examination, addressing your symptoms, and understanding your dental history can lead to a diagnosis. Sometimes, dentists also use a dye or transillumination to make the cracks more visible.

The journey to the 'Diagnosis Land', could be akin to a backstage pass at your favourite rock concert. There's the dentist, strumming the chords (of your teeth), with tools that echo like a drum kit and lighting that would put any stage show to shame.

The Road to Treatment Town

Once the tooth enamel crack has been identified, it's off to the treatment town we trot. The treatment solely depends on the location, size, and severity of the crack. For utterly diminutive cracks, polishing may do the trick. Bonding, dental crowns, and in some extreme cases, root canal therapy might be necessary.

My dear friends, if there's one piece of advice I could give you on this road, it would be this: There are no tea shops on the way to 'Treatment Town'. So, brace yourself, mate!

Prevention Is Better than Pain, I Mean Cure

Knowing the possible causes of cracked tooth enamel is all well and good, but what about preventing it? Of course, we can't lose sight of the age-old saying, "Prevention is better than cure." Or in my case, "Prevention is better than pain".

Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding chewing hard food or non-food items (yes, those pens count), wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports, and regular visits to your dentist can save you from the nightmare of cracked tooth enamel. Trust me. Derek Jeter once said, "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." I apply the same principle to my dental care routine.

The Epilogue: 'H-E-Double-Toothpick'

To sum it up, cracked tooth enamel is not a pleasant experience. It's more like 'H-E-Double-Toothpick'. It challenges both the landscapes of your physical comfort and your daily routine. But fear not, my friends. With the right diagnosis, suitable treatment, and timely prevention, it's a highway we all can navigate.

Remember, your teeth, as sturdy as they are, need your attention as much as your pets do. Heck, even more. Because pet bites might be painful, but toothaches – they are a rebel without a pause. So, let's appreciate our tooth enamel a little more. After all, every knight needs their bright, shiny armour.