If you are concerned about chipping a tooth, you may be wondering how common the issue is and how you can avoid it.
Below is more information about how common chipped teeth are and what you can do to avoid chipping your teeth.
Are Chipped Teeth Common?
While chipped teeth aren’t extremely common, they are among the most common dental injuries. Because of this, it’s important to understand what leads to chipping a tooth and how you can take steps to prevent teeth chipping.
Some of the reasons for a chipped tooth or teeth include:
* Bruxism. Bruxism is a common reason for cracks and chips in teeth. Bruxism is the grinding and clenching of the teeth (often at night). To avoid chipped teeth due to bruxism, you’ll want to purchase a night guard. You can purchase one over-the-counter, but it is recommended that you have your dentist create a custom guard just for you.
* An accident. Falling, getting hit in the mouth while playing a sport, bumping into something…there are a lot of accidents that can happen to lead to a chipped tooth. For sports, make sure you wear a mouthguard to help avoid a chipped tooth.
* Tooth decay. Tooth decay weakens a tooth and makes it easier to chip. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup and take proper care of your oral health every day.
* Chewing on hard objects. If you chew on ice, hard candy, pen caps, and other hard objects you can chip and damage your teeth. Now is a good time to break that habit.
What Should I Do If I Chip a Tooth?
If you chip your tooth there are a few things you should do. These include:
* Take over-the-counter pain medication if your tooth is hurting.
* Only eat soft foods and try to avoid using the tooth.
* Rinse your mouth out with salt water after the injury.
* Book an appointment with your dentist.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Chipped Teeth?
While the chipped part of your tooth will never grow back, there are some options for the restoration of a chipped tooth. These include:
* Dental bonding
* Dental crowns
* Dental veneers
Generally, the choice comes down to the severity of the injury. Your dentist will determine which option is best to meet your specific needs and injury.
Contact Us Today
If you chip your tooth, make sure you set an appointment to meet with your dentist. Even if it doesn’t seem too severe, your tooth may be at risk. Once you visit your dentist, they will let you know what options are available.
In order to avoid a chipped or otherwise damaged tooth, schedule an appointment for a cleaning and checkup if you don’t have one in the books. Tooth decay increases the chances of a chip!
We look forward to meeting you and helping you to avoid chipped teeth.