The outer layer covering our teeth is called tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It’s not surprising since the teeth’ job is to tear, break, and chew many types of food. Teeth are hard enough to soften dense foods of various kinds. Even though teeth are designed as a hard and strong tool, tooth enamel can still risk breaking or chipping. It is a common dental injury that can happen now and then.
We could experience the tooth enamel getting chipped or broken for many causes and reasons. Teeth are the only human body part that can not regrow or regenerate their tissue. What does this mean? It means you will need professional handling to repair the broken part of the teeth. Losing some part of a tooth is not aesthetically pleasing and can also bring some pain due to increased tooth sensitivity.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why are my teeth breaking off?
How to prevent a chipped tooth?
What to do if I chipped my tooth?
What happens if a chipped tooth is left untreated?
Why are my teeth breaking off?
Most people often think that the only cause of chipped teeth happens from intense trauma to the teeth. For example, a harsh blow to the teeth during a fall or an accident. While that may be one of the most common causes, there are plenty of others:
- Using teeth as opening tools. Just because you can use your teeth to open a bottle doesn’t mean you should use your teeth as a bottle opener. Bottle caps can easily chip your teeth.
- Chewing or biting hard food. Tough parts of food such as chicken bones and popcorn kernels can break some tooth enamel.
- Cavities and tooth decay. You are more likely to get your teeth broken or chipped if you have cavities or tooth decay. Cavities make your teeth more vulnerable.
- Poor dental hygiene. Maintaining proper care of your teeth’ hygiene is extremely important to reduce the risk of chipped teeth. Tooth enamel can thin over time, and poor oral hygiene will make tooth enamel erode quicker.
- Bruxism or excessive teeth grinding. It usually happens while you are asleep. You might not even realize you have this particular habit until someone notices it while you sleep. Bruxism can erode the tooth enamel on the teeth’ surface.
What to do if I chipped my tooth?
The size of chipped teeth may vary. You may not be aware of minor chipped teeth, so it’s essential to see if there are any chipped teeth during your regular dental check-up.
You are more likely to notice chipped teeth if it happens to the front teeth, or you can see the chipped teeth clearly when you look at yourself in the mirror. However, you might not know if you have chipped teeth in your molars. If you know that you have chipped teeth, you need to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
In the meantime, until your visit the dentist, you can do these to help with your chipped teeth:
- Rinse your mouth with salt water. Brush and floss to make sure the chipped tooth is clean.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing using chipped teeth. Avoid hot or cold food and drinks.
- If you feel pain occurring, take painkillers and anti-inflammation.
- If a chipped tooth results in bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area.
If you’re not sure if you have a chipped tooth, there are a few common symptoms of chipped teeth:
- There is irritation in the gum. Chipped teeth can irritate the gum around them. Get a check-up from the dentist immediately because it can lead to infection.
- You feel a rough, uneven, or sharp tooth surface. You can feel it while you touch your teeth with your tongue. The chipped teeth can also hurt your tongue when you rub your tongue on them.
- Chewing and biting pressure cause tooth pain. You might not feel constant pain, but you feel tooth pain only when you bite or chew.
- You are experiencing an increase in tooth sensitivity. It might be a chipped tooth if you feel pain much more easily when chewing or eating hot or cold foods and drinks. Chipped teeth are also more sensitive to sour and sweet foods and beverages.
What happens if a chipped tooth is left untreated?
It is highly recommended for a chipped tooth to get professional treatment immediately. Even if the chipped tooth seems minor, you shouldn’t underestimate the damage. A chipped tooth can appear small, but it could be profound. You can’t tell unless the dentist gives it a proper check.
Untreated chipped teeth can become weaker and more likely to be chipped again. The broken part can increase pain, sensitivity, gum infection, and even tooth loss. Broken tooth enamel means losing the outer cover that protects the inside part of the tooth. The tooth becomes much more vulnerable to bacteria, the nerve is exposed, and the sharp edge of a chipped tooth can injure your tongue and inner cheek.
A few treatment options are available depending on the condition and location of the damage from chipped teeth. Every repair aims to stop the chipped teeth from worsening or inducing other dental problems. Here are the repair treatments options:
- Tooth bonding or filling. Dental bonding, similar to cavities, can fix a minor chipped tooth. Dental bonding is applying a composite material to fill the losing party in a chipped tooth. Tooth bonds can last around ten years.
- Dental crown. A dental crown is an excellent solution for broken teeth with more extensive damage. A Crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to cover the entire tooth.
- Dental or porcelain veneer. A porcelain veneer covers the front tooth with a thin shell of porcelain. Veneers are tooth-coloured and have a natural appearance.
- Root canal. If the damage of a chipped tooth is exposing the pulp, root canal treatment is required to prevent the tooth from being infected by the damaged pulp.
Conclusion
While the pain from chipped teeth can range from mild to painful, there are a few things you can do to prevent and treat it. It is always best to ensure your oral health is at its best. A cracked or chipped tooth requires immediate attention to avoid further complications. Schedule an appointment at Eastman Dental as soon as possible for a check-up or to treat any chipped teeth.