You’re having a perfect work day, and everything’s going amazingly. At lunch, you take a bite out of your beautiful salad and boom– a chipped tooth. It’s one of those “what the heck?” moments that we seem to encounter more often as we age. The unfortunate truth is that a chipped tooth can happen in an instant (usually when you least expect it). Even healthy teeth can chip under the right (or wrong) conditions. The good news is that some chips are preventable, and there are solid steps you can take to prevent chipping.
What Causes Chipped Teeth?
- We have a friend who refers to her “$2000 lollipop” because that’s how much it costs to fix a front tooth after one bad decision. Biting hard foods is one of the leading causes of chipped teeth, and one of the easiest to prevent. Chomping down on ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy is a recipe for trouble, and avoiding these items is a terrific decision.
- Accidents and trauma, including falls and sports injuries, are another common cause. In some cases, there’s not much you can do. However, wearing a mouthguard during sports provides significant protection.
- Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is something many patients don’t even realize they’re doing. Yet the ongoing grinding and clenching, especially at night, weakens your teeth and makes them more susceptible to chipping and breaking.
- Tooth decay and weakened enamel also weaken your teeth, making them more susceptible to chipping or breaking.
- Age: Studies show our teeth are more prone to chipping and breaking as we get older, thanks to wear and tear and weakened enamel.
- Dental fillings don’t last forever. When a filling or dental restoration fails, it can weaken the surrounding tooth, making it more susceptible to chipping or cracking.
Are Some People More Prone to Chipped Teeth?
A chipped tooth can happen to anyone. However, certain risk factors can increase a person’s susceptibility to chipped teeth. Untreated cavities and poor oral hygiene make chipping or cracking increase the risk of chipping. People with enamel erosion or acid reflux are also at higher risk. Your bite alignment and a tendency to clench or grind can also make you more prone to chipped teeth, along with bad habits like nail biting or ice chewing. Finally, age is also a risk factor, with studies showing that adults in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk for chipped teeth.
How Can I Prevent Chipping?
We often think of “don’ts” when it comes to preventing tooth chipping. But there are also some essential “dos,” easy preventive measures that promote healthy teeth.
- Avoid hard foods, crunching ice, and hard candy. Sticky candy can also be problematic, so use caution with your favorite sweet treats.
- Don’t open food or beverage packaging with your teeth. Grab those scissors even when it’s inconvenient.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports or night grinding. A custom guard is preferable to a boil-and-bite model for athletic activity when possible. You can also discuss a night guard with your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth. It’s one of the best things you can do to reduce wear and tear on your teeth.
- Keep up with your twice-a-year dental check-ups to catch weak spots and potential problems early. Professional cleanings and fluoride treatments can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
- If you have tooth decay, get cavities treated early.
- Repair aging fillings and other dental work to avoid chipping and cracking.
- Eat a healthy diet and make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
What Happens If I Chip A Tooth?
Many of us have experienced that awful sinking feeling when we realize we’ve chipped a tooth. But don’t panic. Save the missing piece if possible (try not to swallow it) and contact your family dentist immediately. More minor chips can often be smoothed out or bonded with tooth-colored resin. A larger chip or break may require a crown, a more significant restoration that necessitates removing more of the damaged tooth.
Chipped Teeth: Prevention Starts With Awareness–And Routine Care
Excellent oral hygiene and catching problems early are two of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and avoid chipping and cracking. One of the best strategies is to see your family dentist regularly for checkups and maintenance. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we help patients maintain strong teeth with professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. We can also assess your enamel health and fit you for a nightguard if grinding is an issue. If you do chip a tooth, don’t panic: remember it can happen to anyone. The doctors at Greenhill Family Dental Care have you covered for emergencies, too.
