Are Chipped Teeth Common?
Anyone could chip a tooth, and millions of people have. A chipped tooth is among the most common ways a tooth can be injured, though there are certain risk factors that you can address to reduce the likelihood that you’ll chip a tooth. In many cases, teeth chip because the teeth themselves are weak or unhealthy in some way, because of certain lifestyle choices or behaviors, or because of unresolved orthodontic or dental issues that affect the position of the teeth and the bite. If you’ve chipped a tooth, talk to your dentist, even if it’s minor. Sometimes, treatment isn’t needed, but only your dentist can determine that. They can also teach you how to protect your teeth and determine what’s weakening them, possibly repairing damage and protecting and restoring your smile.
Sometimes, people realize they’ve chipped a tooth, and sometimes, chipped teeth aren’t discovered until a dental examination. In other cases, chipped teeth might be visible to the naked eye. When the chip can’t be seen, it might make itself known in another way. Minor chips can often be felt by the tongue, with sharp, irregular edges, which can easily lead to irritation of the lips and tongue. A chipped tooth might also cause you discomfort or pain when biting in certain areas, or it could lead to sensitivity to exceedingly sweet, cold, or hot foods or drinks. Some people note irritation in the gums surrounding the damaged tooth. This could indicate an infection, especially when tooth damage is severe, which requires immediate attention. If gum irritation is accompanied by noticeable swelling in your jaw or your neck, a foul smell or taste in your mouth, or any signs of a fever, see an emergency dentist or doctor right away.
Some minor chips may not pose any problems at all, and your dentist will monitor these teeth at your dental checkups. If you or your dentist notices that your teeth keep chipping, you can discuss possible treatments, which could include dental treatments, medical treatments, behavior modification, or a combination of any or all of these. The cause of the chipped tooth or teeth will dictate the preferred treatment. To protect the teeth from chipping in the first place, there are some steps you can take.
- If you play contact sports, wear a mouth guard while playing.
- If you chronically clench your jaw or grind your teeth, wear a night guard while sleeping.
- Observe a thorough, careful oral hygiene routine that includes regular dental checkups.
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet, supplementing as recommended by your doctor.
- If you smoke or use tobacco, work with your medical team to quit.
Sometimes, dental enamel is weakened because of health conditions like GERD or bulimia, which introduce excessive amounts of stomach acid into the mouth. Treating the underlying issue may prevent this damage from progressing, and teeth that have been noticeably damaged or significantly weakened by acid can be restored with dental crowns or similar dental restorations. When misaligned teeth or an uneven bite lead to chips or other damage to adjacent teeth, straightening the teeth with braces or other aligners might be the best course of action. Of course, while these are more comprehensive approaches to chronic issues, there are multiple cosmetic solutions that can restore your smile’s glow while you address underlying issues, and there are even more cosmetic solutions that can repair the minor damage chipped teeth can cause. Call your dentist to learn more about your options.