Have you ever noticed little, discolored lines running vertically on your front teeth? If you have, you’re not alone as these lines are a cosmetic issue that affects the teeth of many people. It often leads to worry, due to their appearance and the belief that they signify damage to your teeth.
If you have noticed these lines, known as craze lines, there’s no immediate reason to worry, as they are a natural result of stress being placed on teeth. There are ways you can reduce the chances of acquiring craze lines, as well as ways to deal with them once they appear. In this post, we’ll examine what these lines are and what you can do about them to maintain the healthiest smile possible.
What Are Craze Lines?
Craze lines are tiny cracks in the enamel of teeth, which is the outermost layer that protects teeth from decay. They occur due to various types of stress placed on your teeth over the course of your lifetime. It’s important to know that these lines are not cracks in your whole tooth and do not present any dangers to the health of your teeth.
Why Do I Have Craze Lines?
As stated above, craze lines appear as a result of stress placed on your teeth. Common causes of craze lines include:
- Biting your nails
- Using your teeth as tools
- Grinding your teeth
- Regular use of your teeth
How Do I Prevent Craze Lines?
You can try and limit stress to your teeth by limiting their use to food and avoiding using them as tools to open packages and bite nails. Wearing a mouthguard at night can also stop you from grinding your teeth in your sleep, which is often done unknowingly.
How Do I Get Rid Of Craze Lines?
One way to get rid of craze lines, or at least hide them, is to have your teeth whitened. The reason that craze lines are often so noticeable due to staining and discoloration on the teeth. Having your teeth whitened can help bleach any stain on your teeth or in the crack, reducing the appearance of the craze line.
Certain types of dental work can also help with craze lines, including the application of filling material or getting veneers. It’s important to talk with your dentist about ways they would recommend addressing your craze lines.
The Final Word
The best way to address craze lines is to do all you can to reduce stress on your teeth before they appear. If you do notice them on your teeth, talk with your dentist about ways you can minimize their appearance on your teeth.
