Are Chipped Teeth Common?
If you have a chipped tooth, you have one of the most common dental issues. Over time, the protective enamel on your teeth gradually breaks down due to acids in the food and drink you consume every day. Chipped teeth can happen to anyone—adults or children—but are more likely if you are over 50.
How Do I Know if I Have a Chipped Tooth?
As the protective enamel on your teeth wears away, teeth become more susceptible to damage. Your lower molars (teeth at the back of your mouth) are under the greatest pressure from chewing and are more likely to chip, as are teeth with fillings, because they will be weaker after treatment than an intact tooth.
Common symptoms of chipped teeth are gum irritation around the affected tooth, a jagged tooth surface you can feel with your tongue, pressure or pain when biting, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks. You might experience bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, swelling in your neck or jaw, or fever. Left untreated, chipped teeth can lead to infection, especially severely damaged teeth.
What Are Common Risk Factors for Chipped Teeth?
Even if you have good oral health, you can still experience chips, cracks, or fractures if your teeth are put under pressure for any of the following reasons:
- Bacteria from tooth decay gradually wear down tooth enamel due to the buildup of bacteria, or plaque, and the release of harmful acids onto teeth.
- Acids on teeth—other than bacteria from plaque buildup—from food and drink can also cause damage, especially fruit and fruit juices, soda, wine, coffee, and high-carbohydrate foods.
- Misaligned bite because of orthodontic issues or uneven wear can put teeth under pressure, making them more likely to chip and crack.
- Involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, usually occurs during sleep but can also happen in the daytime. Bruxism can cause uneven enamel wear and create pressure on teeth and jaws.
- 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.
- Sports injuries are a very common cause of chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth.
- Ageing increases the risk of tooth damage as enamel wears down naturally over time.
- Genetics can cause some people to have weaker teeth through heredity.
While some foods contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, others, such as dairy products and leafy green vegetables, are important for building strong and healthy teeth. This is especially important for children because their teeth are developing, but adults should also take steps for healthy teeth by consuming foods rich in vitamins, nutrients, and calcium.
How Do Dentists Treat Chipped Teeth?
Based on the severity of your chipped tooth, your dentist may recommend the following treatments:
- Cosmetic issues are most common for people with chipped teeth. Your dentist will treat minor chips with polishing, fillings, or bonding material that matches the color of your teeth.
- Veneers are a thin, custom-made porcelain or plastic shell that fits on the front of your tooth. Though more costly, porcelain veneers are a better choice for the appearance of natural teeth, and porcelain is more resistant to stains and discoloration.
- Gold crowns are used for teeth that are too damaged for fillings, bonding, or veneers. For visible teeth, the gold is coated with porcelain and color-matched to blend naturally with your other teeth.
For severely damaged teeth with deep cracks or large pieces missing, especially if the pulp, or dentin, of your tooth is exposed, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
Discuss Your Individual Treatment with Your Dentist
See your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further risk to your oral health due to chipped teeth. He or she will recommend appropriate and effective treatment to meet your individual needs. Also, see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleaning, an important step in preventing and detecting chipped teeth.