Do you or anyone you know have jagged teeth? Are you wondering whether you need to act and see a dentist or is it something that requires no attention?

As per Cambridge Dictionary, the term jagged means rough and with sharp points. When you apply this term in dentistry, it means having uneven, rough and sharp edges in the teeth.

So, let’s learn more about the reasons behind having jagged teeth and what does it mean for oral health in the long run.

Types of Jagged Teeth:

Jagged teeth can appear in different forms. Each type has its own characteristics and causes.

• Mamelons: Mamelons are very common, they are usually present at the biting edges of the front teeth and are noticeable when they just erupt in the oral cavity.
• Chipped/Broken Teeth: These happen when small pieces of your tooth break off. You might notice rough edges where the chip occurred. Chipped teeth are very common. They can affect any tooth in your mouth. At times, you lose a tiny piece while biting something hard or a bigger piece after getting hit due to any accident.
• Cracked Teeth: These have visible lines or splits running through them. The cracks can be shallow or deep. Some cracks go all the way down to the root. Cracked teeth often feel sharp to your tongue.
• Worn Down: These teeth have lost their natural shape over time. The edges become uneven and rough. This usually happens slowly over many years. Your teeth might look shorter than they used to be.
• Eroded Teeth: At times, because of increased acidic contents in the mouth, caused mostly due to prolonged acidity can damage the outer enamel structure of the teeth which can again lead to jagged teeth.

How Does It Look Like?

Jagged teeth are very easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are some of the tricks you can use to identify the signs for jagged teeth:

• Visual Signs: Your teeth might have rough, uneven edges instead of smooth curves. If you check you will notice that some of your teeth are shorter than others and look different than others. You might see small chips or cracks on the surface of the teeth. Even the edges might look sharp or pointed.
• What You Feel: Your tongue can often detect jagged teeth before your eyes can see them. You might feel rough spots when you run your tongue over your teeth. Sharp edges might cut your tongue or cheek accidentally. Pay attention when your tongue or cheek gets injured repeatedly in one area. Visit your dentist if the same damage keeps appearing. Food often sticks in newly formed gaps and uneven surfaces.
• Changes in Your Smile: Your smile can look different after months or years pass. Teeth might seem uneven or not where they should be. You might notice gaps where pieces of teeth have broken off. Your bite might feel different when you close your mouth.
• Mirror Test: If you feel something is off, it’s time to check your teeth very carefully. Look at your teeth in good lighting. Check both upper and lower teeth carefully. Look for any chips, cracks, or rough edges. Compare your teeth to old photos if you have them. If you feel your teeth look different, it’s time to consult your dentist.

Why Do Jagged Teeth Develop?

Many factors can cause your teeth to become jagged. Understanding these causes helps you prevent future damage.

• Mamelons: Countless people are born with mamelons on their permanent front teeth. The tooth develops within the jaw in multiple different lobes. The lobes fail to fuse completely and when the tooth erupts in the oral cavity you can see little bumps on the edges of the teeth.
• Accidents and Injuries: Sports injuries are a very common cause of jagged teeth. Falls or accidents can also damage teeth. Even simple things like biting down on hard objects can cause chips.
• Teeth Grinding: Many people grind their teeth at night without knowing it. This is called bruxism. The constant pressure wears down your teeth over time. Your teeth become shorter and develop rough edges which can weaken your teeth.
• Age-Related Wear: Your teeth face wear and tear as years pass. Daily chewing and biting slowly damage tooth surfaces. The hard outer layer called enamel becomes thinner with time. When your enamel gets thin, your teeth chip and break much more easily, which ultimately creates rough edges.
• Acidic Foods and Drinks: Everyday stuff like soda, orange juice, and wine hurt your teeth. Many folks drink these all the time, but they contain acids that soften your tooth coating. When enamel gets soft, it chips and cracks way easier than strong enamel. Try to have fewer acidic beverages and foods so your teeth stay tough for a long time.
• Bad Habits: Some people chew ice cubes, pen caps, or their fingernails regularly. Not good!! These actions aren't meant for teeth and cause serious damage. So, remember, never use your teeth to tear open packages or bottles. Such habits create cracks and chips that leave sharp, uneven edges on your teeth.
• Underlying Health Issues: Some medical conditions affect your teeth. Acid reflux can severely damage the outer white protective structure of your teeth over time. Eating disorders also harm your teeth. Certain medications can make your mouth dry, which increases decay risk. Decayed teeth become weak and are more likely to break into pieces and fall off.

Treatment for Jagged Teeth:

The good news is that jagged teeth can be fixed. Your dentist has several options to restore your smile. Some of the options are as follows:

• Mamelons: They usually wear down naturally in a few years through normal chewing and biting. By the time a person becomes an adult, these Mamelons are no longer there. However, some people keep these bumps into adulthood. This happens if your teeth don't touch properly when you bite. Your dentist will find out the reason and provide you with the best possible solution.
• Dental Bonding: Most dentists try this first when small pieces break off your teeth. They cover the chipped area with material that looks like your real tooth. The material is shaped precisely to match your natural tooth. It's then hardened with a special light. Bonding is quick and painless in most cases.
• Dental Crowns: Crowns work well for teeth with larger damage. The crown covers your entire tooth that shows when you smile. This protects what's left of your tooth from further damage. You can get crowns made from different materials such as zirconia, porcelain, metal, or porcelain mixed with metal.
• Veneers: They are super thin covers that match your tooth color and cover the front part of your teeth. Veneers work well for multiple damaged teeth in the front. They give you a completely new smile appearance.
• Dental Fillings: If decay caused the jagged edges, you might need fillings. Your dentist removes the decayed part first. Then they fill the space with special material. This restores the tooth's shape and function.
• Root Canal Treatment: Sometimes when the decay has been present for too long, the damage reaches deep into your tooth. A root canal removes infected tissue inside the tooth. This treatment saves your natural tooth from extraction. Most people feel much better after the procedure. After the root canal treatment is done, the tooth is then covered by a crown.
• Tooth Extraction and Replacement: In severe cases, the tooth might need to be removed. Nothing to worry about! Your dentist can put in an implant or bridge instead. New fake teeth will look and feel just like your real ones. This option prevents problems from spreading to other teeth.
• Preventive Measures: Based on the cause of your jagged teeth, your dentist might suggest some useful treatment options that will save you from a bigger long-term damage. For example, your dentist might recommend a night guard if you grind your teeth, perform regular cleanings to help prevent decay that weakens teeth and recommend some healthy oral hygiene maintenance habits.

When to See Your Dentist?

Don't wait until jagged teeth start causing some problem. Early treatment is usually simpler and less expensive. If you feel something is wrong in the shape and size of your teeth, see your dentist right away! Even small chips can get worse without treatment.

Schedule regular check-ups every six months. Your dentist can spot problems before you notice them. Your dentist will also perform professional cleaning which can remove harmful bacteria that weaken teeth and cause tooth decay.

Conclusion:

Jagged teeth are a common dental issue which can cause a lot of problems for you. You may see this as only about appearance. But it can harm your oral health and general wellness as time passes. Very sharp tooth edges will slice into your tongue and inner cheeks. Damaged teeth are also more likely to develop decay or infection. The good news is that modern dentistry offers excellent solutions which can help you treat jagged teeth on time. From simple bonding to complete crowns, your dentist can restore your smile in the best possible manner. Treatment not only improves how your teeth look but also how they function.

Also, one must remember that prevention is always better than treatment. If you have jagged teeth, don't ignore them. Get help now if your teeth feel rough or have pointy bits. People always look at your smile before anything else when you first meet them, which makes keeping them healthy really important. Going to see the dentist just once makes you stop worrying and prevents big troubles from happening later. Call Signature Smiles Dental Clinic today for excellent dental care made just for your needs.