Why are my Teeth Chipping?
No one expects to chip a tooth but it can happen to anyone at any time. Our teeth take a lot of abuse every day and if they are not well cared for, a minor chip or crack can end up as a broken tooth. There are a number of factors that can lead to a chipped tooth including age, accident or trauma, dental decay, or grinding your teeth, though the most prevalent cause of teeth chipping is failing to practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis.
Eating very hard foods can also have a negative impact on the state of your teeth. The enamel is the hard outer layer which is made to handle natural foods but chewing on things such as ice, hard can, or even chewing your fingernails can slowly weaken the integrity of the enamel.
Additional Causes of Chipping Teeth
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that many of us do in our sleep. Depending on the severity of bruxism, it can cause toothaches, jaw pain, headaches, enamel erosion, and chipped or broken teeth. If you have a chipped tooth and suspect you may have bruxism, talk to your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep.
Cavities leave your teeth vulnerable to chips and breaks. A chipped tooth can result from an untreated cavity that has reached an advanced stage. Poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol, and tobacco consumption can expose your teeth to stomach acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Patients that have underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux or bulimia are particularly susceptible to enamel erosion and chipped teeth. Proper oral hygiene will help prevent plaque from building up on the teeth, avoiding tooth sensitivity and potentially serious dental issues.
Age, unfortunately, also plays a role in the overall health of teeth. Daily exposure to acidic foods and beverages naturally cause enamel to break down over time so as we age, the more likely we are to experience a chipped tooth simply because the enamel is not as strong as it once was.
What do I do if I chip a tooth?
Even if a chip is small and you are not experiencing any symptoms, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage. If you chip a tooth after business hours, there are a few steps you can take to manage your chipped tooth until you are able to see your dentist. Some things you can do include:
- Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort you feel. NSAIDs are better for tooth-related pain, so if you can, ibuprofen is ideal.
- Use dental wax on sharp edges to prevent cutting your tongue or cheek.
- Eat soft foods and try to avoid biting with or chewing on the affected tooth.
- Use a warm salt water rinse to ease pain and swelling and to keep your mouth clean and avoid infection.
If you experience a chipped tooth, see your dentist as soon as you can. A small chip can quickly turn into a large break or fracture which will require more extensive and expensive treatment!
Reach out today and ask us about dental bonding for your chipped tooth.