Are Your Teeth Jagged and Sharp? Find Out Why

Have you noticed that your teeth don’t look like they used to?  Maybe they’re jagged, sharp, and cutting your tongue.

Here’s the thing: you could be naturally born with jagged teeth, with bumps on the edges of your teeth. These bumps that appear on the biting ends of your teeth are known as mamelons and can give your teeth a jagged look.

The good thing about mamelons is that they are, oftentimes, normal and not harmful. Plus, they don’t stick around forever. They will become less noticeable as you get older. While having jagged teeth in your early years is normal, it might not be the case if it persists into adulthood and could be a sign of an issue with your bite.

If your jagged teeth don’t smooth out on their own, it’s a good idea to consult one of our dentists. We will assess the cause and provide a personalised treatment plan for you.

What are Jagged Teeth?

Jagged teeth, or mamelon teeth, usually appear on your upper and lower incisors – the front teeth you use for biting and tearing food. They are small bumps that appear along the biting edge of the tooth, giving your tooth the appearance of a scalloped edge. They develop when your teeth are still growing beneath your gums and actually help the tooth erupt by making it easier to push through the gum tissue. These tiny little bumps begin to wear down gradually over time as children begin to use their teeth to chew.

What are the Causes of Jagged Teeth?

As we mentioned before, having jagged teeth is not always normal or natural. Here are some of the reasons why you may have jagged teeth as you grow older:

Improper Bite

You may have never noticed this before, but it’s possible that you have an improper bite alignment.  When we bite our back teeth together, the natural bite should show our upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower ones.

However, if you see that your teeth are biting edge to edge when you bite down, then this is a problem that should be addressed.

Over time this type of bite discrepancy can cause teeth to wear down, becoming jagged and sharp.  The tooth wear can be so severe that it leaves nerve tissue inside the teeth traumatised, causing pain.

Poor Oral Health

When you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, bacteria can attack and weaken your tooth enamel, forming cavities. Left untreated, these cavities can cause your teeth to chip and break, resulting in jagged, uneven edges.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing teeth from becoming jagged due to cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can remove harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Trauma to Your Teeth

Sometimes, life can throw unexpected challenges your way, and dental trauma is one of those. Accidents or injuries can affect your teeth, causing a significant portion of your tooth to break, leading to jagged or sharp edges.

Damage of this kind can also expose underlying nerves, resulting in severe tooth sensitivity. These exposed nerves can also increase the risk of infection, leading to more serious dental problems.

Genetic Factors

While the above reasons can cause jagged teeth, some may have naturally jagged teeth due to genetics. So, if you have jagged teeth, they are more than likely to come from your parents.

How To Fix Jagged Teeth?

Fixing Bite Issues

If an improper bite is causing jagged teeth, we may recommend orthodontic treatment. Braces are one of the most common treatments used to fix misaligned teeth. They work by exerting constant pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position.

Once your teeth are aligned, our dentists may follow up with contouring to enhance the appearance of your smile and make your teeth appear more uniform.

Contouring

This treatment option involves removing small amounts of your tooth enamel to make the tooth surface more even. Since it affects only the outer enamel layer, this treatment doesn’t require anaesthesia. It is a quick and painless procedure that can be completed in one single visit to our clinic.

Dental Bonding

Also known as composite bonding, this procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the jagged areas of your teeth. This resin material is then carefully shaped and molded to cover the jagged areas of your tooth. Once the resin is properly shaped, it is hardened using a special light.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. Made from porcelain or composite materials, they are a great solution for fixing imperfections in your smile, like jagged teeth. Our dentist may remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth for the veneers.

Extraction

If your tooth has been damaged beyond the point of repair, we may suggest tooth extraction. Extraction will be performed under local anaesthesia, and following extraction we will replace your now missing tooth with a dental implant. While it may sound daunting, it’s a common and effective procedure that can restore both functionality and aesthetics to your smile. 

How to Prevent Jagged Teeth in Adults

Certain habits are known to lead to jagged and chipped teeth in adults. Knowing what they are taking steps to prevent them can help prevent pain and discomfort. These include:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice cubes.
• Avoid using your teeth as tools to open boxes, packages or other items.
• Wear a mouthguard if you engage in contact sports.
• Wear a custom-made mouthguard or nightguard if you grind your teeth.

Make the Call Before it’s Too Late

If you’ve noticed changes in the appearance of your teeth due to your bite, then give our Port Melbourne dentists at PMD Dental Care a call before it gets worse!