Is a Chipped Tooth Serious?
A chipped tooth occurs when a fragment of enamel has broken off from the rest of your tooth. The enamel on your teeth is the hard outer surface that protects the soft tissue inside the teeth, called dentin. Tooth enamel is very durable, but it can be damaged.
A slightly chipped tooth is probably not a major issue, but it might make you self-conscious about your smile if on a visible tooth. A cracked or fractured tooth means you have a break running through your tooth, either vertically or horizontally. Larger chips or cracks in teeth can be severe because the dentin and nerve are likely to be exposed and will require treatment to prevent further damage.
What Are Symptoms of Chipped Teeth?
Sometimes, the only sign you have a chipped tooth is a missing tooth fragment. If one of your front teeth is chipped, you might be able to see it when looking in a mirror. Or you might feel a rough or jagged surface with your tongue. Other common symptoms of chipped teeth are gum irritation around the affected tooth, pressure or pain when biting, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks.
If you lose a large tooth fragment, you might experience pain because the dentin and nerve inside your tooth can be exposed.
What Causes Chipped Teeth?
Chipped teeth can be caused by any of the following factors:
- Injuries such as a blow to your face or jaw, a fall or other accident, and sports injuries can cause chipped or cracked teeth.
- Chewing hard foods, including hard candy, apples, or ice, can cause tooth damage. Even nail biting can lead to chipped teeth.
- Biting objects other than food. Never use your teeth to tear open packages or other items.
- Teeth grinding, or bruxism, which typically occurs during sleep, can create stress on your teeth and cause chips or cracks.
What Are Risk Factors for Chipped Teeth?
Playing a contact sport can put you at risk of mouth injury, but teeth can chip or break for no obvious reason. Sometimes, even biting soft food can cause a chipped tooth. If this happens to you, it is likely that your tooth enamel was already worn and susceptible to breakage.
A number of factors can weaken your teeth and make you prone to damage:
- Tooth decay from cavities and eating sugary or acidic foods makes your teeth more likely to chip or crack.
- Previous dental work, such as a large filling, while necessary to preserve your teeth, can sometimes lead to further issues because your teeth can lose strength.
- Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) can cause stomach acid to back up into your mouth, which can break down tooth enamel over time.
- Normal aging weakens teeth. You are more likely to experience chipped teeth or cracks if you are over 50.
How Do Dentists Treat Chipped Teeth?
Fortunately, most people with chipped teeth have only cosmetic issues. Your dentist will treat minor chips with polishing, fillings, or bonding material that matches the color of your teeth, or veneers (a thin porcelain or plastic shell made to fit over the front of your tooth). For severely chipped teeth or large cracks, you will likely need major dental work, such as a crown or possibly a root canal.
Can I Prevent Chipped Teeth?
To reduce your risk of chipped teeth or damage and pain due to cracked teeth, use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping; wear a mouthguard for playing contact sports; avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks; avoid chewing hard foods if you have weak teeth; and, of course, brush, floss, and see a dentist regularly.