Why Are My Teeth Chipping?
A chipped tooth is a very common dental issue that can happen to anyone at any time. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a chipped tooth, including age, accident or trauma, dental decay, or grinding your teeth. But the most prevalent cause is poor oral hygiene. Your dentist can help determine the cause of a chipped tooth if it is not something obvious like an accident, and provide some options to restore the tooth and prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
Why are my teeth chipping?
Poor Oral Hygiene
A chipped tooth can result from an untreated cavity that has reached an advanced stage. Poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol, and tobacco consumption can expose your teeth to stomach acids that eat away at tooth enamel.
Also, patients who have underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux or bulimia are more susceptible to enamel erosion and chipped teeth. Good oral hygiene helps prevent plaque from building up on the teeth, thereby preventing tooth sensitivity and potentially serious dental issues.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that happens to a lot of people in their sleep. It can cause toothaches, jaw pain, headaches, enamel erosion, and chipped or broken teeth. If you notice pain in your jaw upon waking, speak with your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your teeth and jaw while you sleep.
Age
As we age, tooth enamel naturally begins to wear away, leaving teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. Additionally, acids in the foods and beverages we regularly consume can have a negative impact on enamel.
What do I do if I chip a tooth?
Even a very small chip can lead to more severe damage over time, so it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to have the chip smoothed or otherwise repaired. In the event that you chip a tooth after business hours, there are a few steps you can take to manage any discomfort and prevent further damage until you are able to see your dentist.
- Place dental wax on any sharp edges to avoid cutting your tongue or cheek.
- Over-the-counter pain medication can manage any pain. Those with anti-inflammatory properties work best for dental issues.
- Eat soft foods and try to avoid biting with or chewing on the affected tooth.
- A warm saltwater rinse will help soothe pain and swelling. It will also keep your mouth clean and help prevent infection.
If you chip a tooth, see your dentist as soon as you can, even if you are not experiencing any adverse effects. A small chip can quickly turn into a large break or fracture, which will require more extensive and expensive treatment. A chipped tooth will not heal itself and will only worsen over time.
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