Chipped teeth are more common than you might think, and they can happen to anyone at any time. While most people associate chipped teeth with obvious accidents like falls or sports injuries, there are several less obvious causes that can result in chips or breaks to your teeth. Understanding what causes chipped teeth and how to prevent it can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. This post explores some surprising causes of chipped teeth, how to prevent them, and what to do if you find yourself with a chip.
What Causes Chipped Teeth?
Teeth are incredibly strong, but they are not indestructible. You can chip a tooth doing a variety of different things, some of which you’d never expect. Here’s a list:
Biting Down on Hard Objects
One of the most common causes of chipped teeth is biting down on something hard. This could be anything from ice cubes to hard candy, or even a pen cap. People often underestimate the strength required to break down these hard objects, leading to accidental tooth damage. Even foods like nuts or bones can be problematic if you bite down too forcefully.
Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is another major cause of chipped teeth. Many people grind their teeth without even realizing it, especially while sleeping. Over time, the constant pressure can wear down the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to chipping. Clenching your teeth, particularly in moments of stress, can have a similar effect.
Sports and Physical Activities
While it might seem obvious that contact sports like football or hockey could lead to chipped teeth, any physical activity where there is a risk of falling or getting hit in the mouth can cause damage. This includes activities like biking, skateboarding, or even playing a casual game of basketball. If you participate in these kinds of activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from chipping.
Using Your Teeth as Tools
Many people use their teeth to open packages and bottles or to hold onto things when their hands are full. While this might seem convenient at the moment, using your teeth as tools is a fast track to chipping them. Teeth are designed for eating, not for cutting plastic or tearing open packaging.
Sudden Temperature Changes
A lesser-known cause of chipped teeth involves sudden changes in temperature in the mouth. For example, sipping on a hot drink and then immediately biting into something cold can cause your teeth to expand and contract quickly. This rapid change can weaken the enamel and lead to chips or cracks.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Neglecting your dental hygiene can lead to more than just bad breath – it can also contribute to chipped teeth. When your teeth aren’t properly cared for, they can become weak and more prone to damage. Cavities, for instance, can weaken the structure of a tooth, making it easier to chip. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
Normal Aging
As we age, our teeth naturally wear down and become more vulnerable to damage. The enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the tooth, can thin over time, making it easier for teeth to chip. While aging is inevitable, maintaining good dental habits can help slow down this process and reduce the risk of chips or breaks.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Consuming a lot of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, or vinegar, can erode your tooth enamel over time. Once the enamel is weakened, your teeth are more susceptible to chipping. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic items and waiting before brushing your teeth can help minimize this risk.
How To Prevent Chipped Teeth
While some causes of chipped teeth are out of your control, many are preventable with a few simple precautions. Here are some tips to help protect your teeth from chips or breaks:
Avoid Hard Foods and Objects
Try to avoid chewing on hard foods like ice or candy, and non-food items, like pens or even fingernails. If you need to eat something hard, try to chew slowly and carefully to reduce the risk of chipping your teeth.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your enamel. Mouthguards are also recommended for anyone participating in sports or other physical activities where there’s a risk of mouth injuries.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth strong and healthy through good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent chipping. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Be Cautious With Temperature Changes
Try to avoid exposing your teeth to extreme temperature changes. If you’ve had something hot to drink, wait a bit before consuming something cold, and vice versa. This can help prevent the enamel from weakening.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Remember that your teeth are not meant to be used as tools. Instead of using your teeth to open packages or bottles, use scissors or a bottle opener.
Reduce Acidic Food and Drink Intake
Limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, and make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. This will help protect your enamel and reduce the risk of chipping. Sipping acidic drinks through a straw also helps prevent direct contact between the acids and your teeth, reducing risk of enamel erosion.
What To Do About A Chipped Tooth
If you do chip a tooth, it’s important to take action right away. Depending on the severity of the chip, it may be purely cosmetic, or it could lead to more serious dental problems if left untreated.
Rinse Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop it.
Save Any Broken Pieces
If you have any pieces of the chipped tooth, save them in a clean container and bring them to your dentist. In some cases, the dentist may be able to reattach the broken piece.
See Your Dentist
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Even if the chip seems minor, it’s important to have it evaluated to determine the best course of treatment. Your dentist can fix a chipped tooth in several ways, depending on the severity, including bonding, veneers, or crowns.
Can A Chipped Tooth Be Fixed?
Yes, a chipped tooth can usually be fixed. The method of repair depends on the size and location of the chip. For small chips, dental bonding may be sufficient. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area and shaping it to match the rest of the tooth. For larger chips, veneers or crowns might be recommended. These options provide more extensive coverage and protection for the tooth, restoring both function and appearance.
Does A Chipped Tooth Affect Functionality?
A chipped tooth can affect both the functionality and aesthetics of your mouth. If the chip is small, it might not impact how you eat or speak, but it could still be noticeable when you smile. Larger chips, especially if they affect the edges of the tooth or the chewing surface, can make it difficult to bite and chew properly. A chipped tooth is also more susceptible to decay and further damage if not treated.
Chipped teeth not only look bad, but they can also lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. By understanding the causes of chipped teeth and taking steps to prevent them, you can protect your smile and avoid unnecessary dental work.
Give us a call at 416-232-2033 or request an appointment with Li Family Dentistry to get professional care for chipped teeth or any other dental concerns. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.