Do Teeth Chip With Age?
A chipped tooth is not necessarily an emergency, but it can be rather uncomfortable and lead to bigger issues if not taken care of in a timely manner. A person of any age may experience a chipped tooth, as it is a very common problem, but as we age, our teeth become more susceptible to chips and breaks because the enamel begins to naturally weaken.
What else can cause chipped teeth?
The biggest culprit of most dental issues is poor oral hygiene, which can have a huge impact on the health and structural integrity of your teeth. Without proper care and maintenance, the foods and beverages that we consume every day wear away at the enamel, leaving teeth more vulnerable to chips and breaks. Oral health is deeply connected to overall health, so it is important to take care of your teeth and gums.
Adequate nutrition is another vital step in maintaining healthy teeth. Without proper amounts of the important nutrients that your teeth need, such as calcium and fluoride, the bacteria in your mouth can have a bigger impact on the strength of your teeth. Calcium and fluoride help strengthen teeth and protect them from decay. Make sure to incorporate milk and other dairy products and consider using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is often found in tap water and is generally all the fluoride your teeth need to stay healthy.
Bruxism (clenching and grinding) plays a huge role in the health of your teeth. A lot of patients grind their teeth in their sleep or may clench their jaw during the day, all without realizing what is going on. Bruxism can cause chipped or fractured teeth, jaw pain, and even head and neck pain. Your doctor can fabricate a custom night guard to alleviate symptoms of bruxism and relieve resulting pain, and protect your teeth.
One more thing to consider is how you use your teeth every day. Biting your nails or chewing on anything that is not food can be extremely hard on your teeth. Do not use your teeth to open a package or bottle; teeth are for biting and chewing food and speaking properly. They are not tools.
It is normal to experience tooth chipping as you age, but it is important to speak with your dentist to see if there is an underlying issue that could be causing your teeth to chip more. A night guard is a great way to keep your teeth in good condition, regardless of brusixm, especially for patients with any dental restoration.
In the event that you do chip a tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible, even if you are not experiencing pain or sensitivity. A chipped tooth will only get worse over time and can even lead to a severe fracture and require more extensive care. Most of the time, a small chip can be repaired with composite bonding to rebuild the tooth structure and protect it from further damage. Larger chips may require a restoration like a crown or veneer, but your dentist will determine the best way to restore a chipped tooth.