What Causes Teeth to Chip?

Common Causes of Chipped Teeth

Dental enamel is one of the hardest substances the body produces. However, it is not unbreakable. There are a variety of possible causes of chipped or cracked teeth, including:

• Cavities
• Imbalanced or misaligned bite
• Trauma to the face or mouth
• Poor dental hygiene
• Tongue or cheek piercings
• Chewing hard objects, such as ice or pens
• Metal amalgam fillings
• Excessive teeth grinding

Using your teeth as tools to open packages or perform other tasks can also lead to damage. In general, you should not chew or bite non-food objects.

Symptoms of Cracks or Chips

Unless the chip or crack is large, many patients do not experience any symptoms at all. However, you may notice increased tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, or pain while chewing. Some patients experience unpredictable tooth pain that comes and goes. Generally, any persistent tooth pain is a good reason to contact our office, since leaving a chipped or cracked tooth untreated can have serious consequences.

The sooner you treat a chipped or cracked tooth, the better it is for your oral health. 

Why Is Treatment Important?

Anything that damages the outer layer of your tooth leaves your tooth vulnerable. The tooth’s outer layer, known as enamel, protects the inner dentin from bacteria. When bacteria reaches the soft dentin layer, it begins eating away at the tissue, causing decay. Decay can lead to infection which, when left untreated, can cause tooth loss. The sooner you treat a chipped or cracked tooth, the better it is for your oral health. 

Your Treatment Options

At our practice, we have several treatments that can address chips and cracks. The optimal treatment for you will depend on the extent of the damage to your tooth as well as the location of the tooth. You can discuss your concerns with Dr. Newman during an appointment and he will recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of dental ceramic placed over the front surface of your tooth to conceal chips, cracks, and other flaws. Dr. Newman can select a shade of porcelain that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth for an attractive result. 

Dental Crowns

Crowns cover the entire surface of your tooth for improved strength and integrity. Dr. Newman can create dental crowns from advanced materials for durable and cosmetically appealing results. 

Dental Bonding

During dental bonding treatment, Dr. Newman applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected area of your tooth. He then sculpts the resin to strengthen your enamel and improve the aesthetics of the tooth. 

How to Prevent Cracks and Chips

While damage to your teeth is not completely preventable, there are a variety of methods which can help minimize your risk. Patients should avoid chewing on hard foods and objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels, pens, and bottle caps. Individuals can wear a mouthguard while participating in sports. If you clench or grind your teeth, we can fabricate a bite guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Regular visits to our office can also help prevent chips and cracks.

Protect Your Smile

When issues with your smile arise, it is important to deal with them quickly to protect your future oral health. If you are nervous about your treatment, we can discuss our sedation dentistry options with you, to ensure you are calm and comfortable during your procedure. For more information about treating chipped or cracked teeth, contact our office online today.