Do you have a chipped tooth? Various factors can cause a portion of your teeth to chip off. You may have bitten down on something too hard, or you may have gotten injured and hit your teeth. At times, you may require emergency dental care to prevent further damage to your smile. However, if you frequently experience chipping teeth, this may indicate that you are doing something wrong.
This article will run you through the common reasons why your tooth may chip off and how you can prevent it.
Common Causes of Tooth Chipping
Teeth often chip off due to impact or trauma. This can happen due to a fall, a car accident, an assault, a sport, or any other activity that causes injury to the mouth area. Simply biting down on hard surfaces and food such as candy or ice can also cause this injury.
If you didn’t experience any apparent impact on the teeth, you might have weak enamel. The enamel is the protective outer covering of the teeth and is considered the hardest substance in the body. A weak enamel makes your teeth vulnerable to cracking, chipping, or fracturing.
While various factors weaken the tooth enamel, another common reason is poor oral hygiene. The cavities and decay weaken the enamel and leave your teeth unprotected.
Other Factors That Can Cause Chipping
Other than injury and weak enamel, other factors can affect your teeth, such as:
- Large and old tooth fillings that haven’t been replaced for a while can affect your tooth’s integrity.
- Acidic foods such as juice, citrus fruits, coffee, sugar, alcohol, candy, and others can weaken the enamel.
- Having xerostomia or dry mouth lessens the saliva in your mouth, causing the enamel to become dry and brittle.
- The enamel can also weaken as we age, especially if you suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding.
How to Prevent Chipped Teeth
To protect your tooth from chipping, it is vital to keep your enamel strong. Make sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day for two minutes. Use toothpaste with fluoride and a soft toothbrush to help protect the enamel.
Don’t forget to floss before bed and use an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash when you brush. You should also maintain a healthy balanced diet rich in vegetables and low in sugar.
Make sure to get your dental check-ups and cleanings twice every year as well to keep your teeth protected. Your dentist may recommend crowns or Invisalign treatments to address any tooth issues that can lead to decay or chipped teeth.
How Can You Treat Chipped Teeth?
If you get chipped and cracked teeth, hope is not lost yet. A minor chip can be smoothed and polished. If you have a larger chip, you may need fillings, inlays, veneers, or crowns to replace the chipped area or the entire tooth.
If you have a chip that extends down to the nerve of your tooth, you may need a root canal or crown. The same goes for a chip that affects the root of your tooth, except you will require a complete extraction and a crown. If you experience extreme pain or bleeding after getting your tooth chipped, it is best to seek emergency dental care.
Conclusion
An injury to your teeth is not only painful, but it can also affect your smile for years to come. Your teeth are an essential part of your overall appearance and help you speak, chew food, and smile. To keep your smile from chipping, it is vital to maintain good oral hygiene. You should regularly get your cleanings and check-ups done by a qualified dental care team.
If you find yourself chipping your teeth often, consult with your dentist so that you can get any cavities or decay treated by a professional.
Are you looking for an emergency dentist in Utah to help you fix your chipped teeth? Smart Dental Care offers all your dental needs! Come in for a consultation today.