Why are my Teeth Chipping?
If you chip a tooth during a fall or an untimely accident, identifying the cause is quite simple. But if you chip a tooth while eating or even in the middle of the night, then there is now a cause that needs to be identified with the help of your dentist.
Common Causes for Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth can often be a warning sign that you have an oral health issue that needs attention.
A frequent cause of teeth chipping for no obvious reason is simply neglecting to practice proper dental hygiene daily. The protective enamel breaks down and compromises the strength of a tooth.
Here are some ordinary causes for chipped teeth:
- Advanced Tooth Decay and Cavities- The more in danger your teeth are to cavities and decay, the increased the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth. A chipped tooth can be caused by an untreated cavity. The pain in the tooth can be from your poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, acid reflux and heartburn, or excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption. When a cavity progresses, it destroys the enamel, and the bacteria reach the soft inner layer, called the dentin. This structural breakdown leaves the tooth weakened and vulnerable to chips, cracks, breakage, tooth sensitivity, and other serious dental health issues.
- Eating Hard Food- The outer surface of your teeth, called enamel, is for protection from natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and nuts. Chewing on items like ice, hard candy, jawbreakers, or even your fingernails can easily cause extensive damage. These items slowly weaken the integrity of the enamel. Over time, the teeth cannot manage the stress from the damage.
- Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth – Called bruxism, teeth grinding is an unconscious habit that involves clenching your teeth. Depending on the severity, this results in toothaches, headaches, jaw pain, enamel erosion, and broken teeth. Grinding can often be your reaction to stress and anxiety, or it can happen while you are sleeping.
- Age-Related Wear – Our body changes with age, and that includes dental health. Your teeth are exposed to acidic foods and drinks every day, and the surface enamel thins. The older we get, the better the chance of experiencing a chipped tooth. Recent research has shown that the age range of between 45-54 is where most chipped teeth occur. This is the primary reason the health industry promotes proper daily hygiene. Preventive oral hygiene prevents damaging plaque from collecting on your teeth.
What to Do if You Chip Your Tooth
No matter the size of the chip or crack, schedule an appointment to see your dentist for an examination. If you ignore the issue, you are risking more damage from infection.
Dental emergencies never occur at convenient times. You could chip your tooth after hours or on the weekend when your dental office is closed. Consider the following suggestions waiting for proper treatment.
- If you are in discomfort, manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Rinse with warm salt water to help with swelling.
- If the chipped tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, put some sugarless gum or wax over it to protect your tongue and cheeks from any cuts.
- Eat softer foods and avoid biting and chewing with the chipped tooth.
Related Article: Is a Chipped Tooth Serious?