If you have a chipped tooth, it’s generally a good idea to do something about it. If the chip is very minor it may only be a cosmetic issue. If it is larger, it may cause more serious problems.
There are a few things you should do about your chipped tooth. Below are some of the reasons for chipped teeth, whether or not a chipped tooth is a big deal, and what you should do about your chipped tooth.
Reasons for a Chipped Tooth
There are a lot of ways to chip a tooth. Some of these include:
* An accident. Whether it’s getting hit in the face with a hockey stick or falling down the stairs, an accident can chip your tooth.
* Bruxism. Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of your teeth. This generally happens at night. Without a night guard, your teeth can chip and even crack.
* Tooth decay. If your tooth decay gets bad enough, it will start to affect the integrity of your tooth. A weaker tooth is a lot easier to chip.
* Chewing on hard objects. If you are chewing on pens, hard candy, or other hard objects you need to stop. This habit can chip and damage your teeth.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Big Deal?
Chipped teeth aren’t ideal. With that said, you may be wondering if they are a big deal. The answer is, “They can be.”
Chipped teeth can cause pain and can make it difficult to eat certain foods. Beyond that, though, they can also increase the risk of decay and infection. You may even end up cutting your tongue with the chipped tooth.
No matter how severe the tooth is chipped or what caused it, it’s important to get a chipped tooth looked at.
What Should I Do About My Chipped Tooth?
Here are some things you should do about your chipped tooth:
* Schedule an appointment with a dentist to take a look.
* Take over-the-counter pain medication to address discomfort.
* Rinse out your mouth after the injury with salt water.
* Eat soft foods and try to avoid using the tooth.
Can a Chipped Tooth be Repaired?
While a chipped tooth can never fully heal or be restored, it can be repaired. There are a few ways this can be done, including:
* Dental bonding
* Dental veneers
* Dental crowns
The right restoration method will depend on the severity of the chip and the damage to your tooth. For a minor, cosmetic chip, dental bonding may be the best repair option. For a massive chip or crack, you may need a full dental crown.
Reach Out Today
If you have recently chipped your tooth or you haven’t been to the dentist since you chipped your tooth, you should contact us to schedule an appointment. Your dentist will take a look and determine what the best option is to treat your chipped tooth.