Craze lines in teeth are small vertical cracks that appear on your tooth’s enamel. Also known as hairline cracks or superficial cracks, they can be why your teeth stains easily. Usually, craze lines are translucent, but they can also take a gray, yellow, or brown appearance. Craze lines are not harmful, but they can ruin your smile. Carry on reading to know why they occur and what to do about them.
Craze Lines in Teeth Causes
Craze lines might not be dangerous themselves, but the reason behind them might be. This is why it is vital to pay attention to your oral health and consult your dentist when anything unusual occurs. Common reasons behind craze lines are:
- Bruxism: grinding, clenching, or gnashing your teeth can wear down the tooth enamel.
- Misaligned Teeth: An uneven bite means your teeth might not meet as they should.
- Frozen Foods: People who bite into frozen food or chew ice rather than sucking it might notice craze lines in their teeth.
- Bad Habits: Nail biting, using your teeth to open bottles, and similar bad habits can wear down tooth enamel. Plus, they weaken your teeth.
- Wear & Tear: Eating and chewing over the years puts stress on your teeth, developing vertical stress lines with age.
- Temperature Changes: Altering between extreme temperature changes is also a reason for hairline cracks. Like if you eat something hot and drink chilled water immediately, it can ruin your teeth’s appearance.
Craze Lines VS. Cracks
Cracks on your teeth can be severe, causing symptoms that need dental attention. Craze lines, on the other hand, are a minor type of crack. However, they do not cause any symptoms and usually don’t require treatment.
If you have a cracked tooth, you’ll most likely experience pain, swelling, and sensitivity. When it comes to craze lines, you’ll not have any symptoms — you might not even notice them unless you look for them. Plus, you might see them if they turn gray, yellow, or brown. Simply put, craze lines are a mere cosmetic concern. Still, they may make your teeth more susceptible to cavities, which you can avoid by practicing prevention.
Can you Fix Craze Lines Teeth?
You can lighten the stained lines on your teeth by using whitening strips or whitening toothpaste. Moreover, you can ask your dentist for a professional whitening kit. Some other options for covering craze lines or reducing them are:
Composite resin filling
Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening
Veneers
Prevention Tips
You can reduce and prevent craze lines from developing on your teeth. To do so, follow these tips:
- Don’t bite your nails
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles
- Don’t chew on frozen or cold food.
- Wear a mouthguard or nightguard to reduce teeth grinding effects
- Limit your intake of teeth-staining items like coffee, red wine, and berries to avoid stains
- Refrain from eating tobacco products
What’s Next?
In conclusion, craze lines on your teeth can result from many factors. They might ruin the appearance of your teeth, but that’s all they are: a cosmetic concern. You can reduce their appearance or cover them up if they bother you. Just dial (832) 924-2666 (Fondren Road) or (281) 558-1199 (Club Creek Dr.) to schedule an appointment with Sair Dental.