A chipped tooth is a pretty common dental injury. While usually not a serious problem, it can cause some cosmetic concerns and pain.
So, what exactly causes teeth chipping, and who is most at risk? How do you know if you have a chipped tooth? And what can you do about it?
This article will cover:
- The most common causes and risk factors for chipped teeth
- How to identify a chipped tooth
- Available treatment options
- And, most importantly, how to prevent teeth chipping from happening in the first place
If you think you’ve chipped a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you can.
What Causes a Chipped Tooth?
Lots of things can cause a tooth to chip. It’s a pretty common dental issue, and it’s not always caused by something dramatic.
Common Causes
- Biting hard foods. Crunching down on hard candies, ice, or even nuts can sometimes be enough to chip a tooth.
- Injuries and trauma. Accidents, falls, or getting hit in the face are definite risk factors for chipped teeth.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding). Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially while you sleep, puts a lot of pressure on your teeth, which can weaken the enamel and make them more likely to chip.
- Tooth decay and cavities. When a tooth is weakened by decay, it’s naturally more vulnerable to chipping.
Risk Factors for Chipped Teeth
Certain habits and conditions can increase your risk of chipping a tooth:
- Acid wear. Regularly eating or drinking acidic things can wear away at your enamel, making your teeth weaker.
- Large fillings. If you have a large filling, that tooth might be more prone to chipping around the filling.
- Misaligned bite. An improper bite can put extra stress on certain teeth, increasing the risk of a chip.
10 Risk Factors For Chipped Teeth
Lots of things can increase your risk of chipping a tooth. Here are 10 of the most common:
- Tooth decay. Cavities weaken the structure of your teeth, making them more likely to chip or break.
- Acid wear. Eating a lot of acidic foods or having a medical condition that causes acid reflux can erode your enamel.
- Poor nutrition. If you aren’t getting the nutrients your body needs, your teeth may be weaker.
- Misaligned bite. If your teeth don’t line up properly, you might put too much pressure on certain teeth when you bite down.
- Teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, can wear away enamel and cause teeth to chip.
- Sport injuries. Playing contact sports without a mouthguard can lead to dental trauma.
- Occupational risks. Some jobs, like construction, increase the risk of dental injuries.
- Mouth piercings. Constant contact between a piercing and your teeth can cause damage.
- Aging. As you get older, your enamel naturally weakens and becomes more brittle.
- Genetics. Some people are just born with weaker teeth.
How do I know if I have a chipped tooth?
Sometimes, you can see a chipped tooth just by looking in the mirror. You might notice a jagged edge or a small chunk missing. Even if you can’t see it, you may feel a sharp edge when you run your tongue over the tooth.
Other symptoms include:
- Pain when you bite down or chew.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.
- Swollen gums around the tooth.
If you think you might have a chipped tooth, see your dentist, even if you don’t have any major symptoms.
What should I do if I chip a tooth?
Chipping a tooth can be scary, but here’s a quick guide to what to do:
- First, take action: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If it’s bleeding, use a clean cloth to gently apply pressure to the area. If you can find any pieces of your tooth, save them!
- Protect the tooth: Avoid foods that are hard or sticky, as they could make the damage worse. If you’re in pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also buy dental wax or chew some sugar-free gum and put it over the sharp edges to protect your tongue and cheeks.
- See a dentist: Call your dentist for an appointment as soon as you can. Tell them what happened and describe any symptoms you’re having.
How to fix a chipped tooth
So, you’ve chipped a tooth. What now? Thankfully, there are several ways a dentist can fix it, depending on the severity and location of the chip.
Treatment Options
- Dental Bonding: For minor chips, a dentist can apply a tooth-colored resin to fill in the missing piece and restore the tooth’s original shape. It’s a relatively quick and inexpensive fix.
- Dental Veneers: If the chip is on a front tooth and you’re concerned about aesthetics, veneers might be a good option. These are thin, custom-made shells that cover the entire front surface of the tooth, providing a natural-looking repair.
- Dental Crowns: For more extensive damage, a crown might be necessary. This involves placing a cap over the entire tooth to protect and restore its structure.
- Onlays: An onlay is somewhere between a large filling and a crown. It covers one or more of the cusps, or raised points, of a tooth and is used when the damage is too extensive for a simple filling, but not quite severe enough to warrant a full crown.
Factors Influencing Treatment Choice
The best treatment option for your chipped tooth will depend on a few things:
- Severity of the chip: Small chips can often be fixed with bonding, while larger chips or fractures may require a crown or onlay.
- Location of the tooth: Front teeth are more visible, so veneers might be preferred for cosmetic reasons.
- Patient preferences and budget: Treatment costs vary, so it’s important to discuss all options with your dentist and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
How can you prevent a chipped tooth?
Chipped teeth can be painful and expensive to repair. Here are some ways to protect your teeth from damage:
Protective measures
- Wear a mouthguard. If you play sports or participate in activities where your mouth could get hit, wear a mouthguard.
- Avoid bad habits. Resist the urge to chew on ice, hard candies, or other hard objects.
Oral hygiene and diet
- Improve your oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
- Follow a balanced diet. Eat foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins to keep your teeth strong and resilient.
Professional care
- Get regular check-ups. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Consider teeth straightening. Correcting misaligned teeth can reduce stress and pressure on individual teeth.
- Think about teeth strengthening. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen tooth enamel.
The Bottom Line
Chipped teeth are a common problem, and they can happen for all sorts of reasons. Thankfully, there are also many ways to treat them.
The best way to deal with a chipped tooth is to avoid getting one in the first place. Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
Regular check-ups with your dentist and good oral hygiene habits are essential for preventing chips and other dental problems. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard. And if you play contact sports, always wear a mouthguard!
If you do chip a tooth, don’t delay. See your dentist as soon as possible to restore your smile and prevent any further complications. The sooner you seek dental care, the better!