We've all been there, right? Maybe you were enjoying some crunchy popcorn, or maybe an accident happened while playing contact sports. Suddenly you feel a new, rough, jagged edge where there wasn't one in your mouth, the telltale sign of a chipped tooth.
It is easy to panic, and maybe even feel ashamed that something happened to a tooth, a chipped tooth nonetheless. This guide on a chipped tooth shares details from dental professionals, and people who have actually experienced what happens.
What Exactly is a Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth is when a piece of your tooth enamel, that tough outer layer, gets broken off. Your tooth enamel is strong, and can handle a biting force of 70 lbs when chewing.
But even the toughest armor has its limits. This usually shows as a noticeable gap, a jagged edge, or even just a rough spot where you previously had a smooth surface.
Common Chipped Tooth Culprits
So, what causes teeth to chip? It's not always some dramatic accident. Sometimes, it's the little, everyday things that do the most damage to tooth enamel.
Biting down on hard foods is a major cause of weakened teeth. Think ice, hard candies, or even those surprisingly tough nuts.
But it isn't always about food, using your teeth to tear open packaging might seem handy, but this is not worth the chipped teeth you could endure.
How Your Lifestyle Might Be Putting You at Risk
Certain habits, even conditions you might not connect with dental problems, increase chances of a tooth chip. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a major culprit, gradually wearing down enamel. Acid reflux, where stomach acid comes back up, softens the tooth structure over time.
One study shows that the second lower molar and teeth with fillings are most prone to chipping. During the first year of COVID-19, most dentists treated more stress-related oral health conditions, like grinding and clenching.
Recognizing the Signs of a Chipped Tooth
Not all chipped teeth are obvious. A small chip might just feel like a rough spot, while a larger one could have a noticeable jagged edge. It could also cause increased tooth sensitivity or chipped tooth pain when chewing.
If you have symptoms, you may feel irritation to your gums or tongue. If the chipped tooth exposes nerves, the discomfort can be severe.
When a Chip Is More Than Just Cosmetic
Larger chips, approaching or exposing a nerve, are concerning, because nerves are your tooth's communication line. An irritated or exposed nerve is more susceptible to bigger problems, and could even lead to a tooth infection.
These aren't just cosmetic imperfections. These problems need to be seen by a dentist.
How Dentists Diagnose and Treat Chipped Teeth
A dentist can usually spot a chip just by looking, but they might ask questions about how it happened. They might also take dental x-rays to see the full picture. For larger chips, they'll check to make sure the sensitive inner parts of your tooth are not in harm's way.
Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the size and location of your chip. Unless the damage is severe and impacting the tooth's roots, a root canal won't usually be the initial treatment plan. Depending on the chip, dental care professionals can provide patients with any of the following treatment options.
- Tooth Reattachment: Your dentist may cement the tooth fragment back if it is a clean break.
- Bonding: Composite resin material or porcelain can fix chipped teeth for up to ten years. This composite resin material will look natural.
- Veneers: With regular cleanings and treatment, a veneer could last up to 20 years. Veneers cover the whole front of the tooth.
- Crowns: If there's more severe damage, a crown might be needed to protect the remaining tooth structure.
A Real-Life Look at Fixing a Chipped Tooth
Let's say someone chips their front tooth. Maybe they bit into hard candy, or maybe it was an accident that cracked the tooth. The dentist starts by examining the damage and asking some simple questions to see how bad the chip is.
After confirming that no nerves were exposed and ruling out infection, they chose a tooth-colored composite resin material to rebuild the tooth. It is matched to blend, so the repaired area is completely natural.
Veneers, a thin shell custom made, are also an option but work better when the tooth structure needs substantial build up. Your dentist may file away the remainder of your tooth and place a crown in some treatment plans.
Every year, Americans go to the emergency room for dental problems every 15 seconds. Make your appointment with Dr. Suarez's dental office by clicking here and we will get you in as soon as possible.
Beyond the Dentist's Chair: Long-Term Care
What can you do on your own? Even after the repair, think about why your teeth chip in the first place.
You might be unconsciously clenching or grinding teeth, particularly during sleep. Using a mouth guard at night could protect you from future chips. At Dr. Ricardo Suarez's dental office we make our retainers and night guards in office.
It is important to understand the ways you might weaken tooth enamel without knowing it. Regularly indulging in sugary or acidic foods and drinks sets off a chain reaction that causes broken tooth enamel. Good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing twice a day, isn't just about looking good, it actively shields your teeth from this type of slow damage.
Chipped Tooth Prevention
It isn't always possible to prevent accidents. However, you can change many risk factors associated with tooth damage.
Here's a simple table of Do's and Don'ts for preventing chipped teeth:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports | Chew on hard candies or ice |
| Visit your dentist regularly for checkups | Use your teeth as tools to tear open packages |
| Eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods | Ignore teeth grinding or clenching |
| Practice good oral hygiene, brush twice daily & floss | Bite your nails, pens, or other hard objects |
These simple habit changes might prevent you from further pain, discomfort and costs. If you notice yourself grinding teeth, talk to your dentist about options like a mouth guard. If you think you may have damage from stomach acid, you could talk to a doctor about it.
FAQs About Chipped Tooth
Is it OK to leave a chipped tooth?
While a tiny, unnoticeable chip might not seem urgent, it's still best to get it checked out. Even small chips can have rough edges, increasing problems later, and could be a sign of a bigger, underlying issue.
Also, a small chip can become a larger chip over time if not treated. Seeing a dental professional is your safest bet.
Conclusion
Dealing with a chipped tooth is frustrating. While chips may happen to anyone at any time, there are options.
Remember, even a minor chip can weaken the tooth, so don't delay getting it checked. Dental work can protect a chipped tooth, and catch any issues.
It can also cause bigger issues in the long run, so being proactive helps. Contact our West Covina dental office to book an appointment.