Having a chipped tooth can be annoying. It can be uncomfortable and—if the tooth is in the front of the mouth—it can be unappealing to look at.
You may be wondering what led to your chipped tooth, and what you can do to address the issue. Below is more information about what leads to chipping, what you should do if you chip a tooth, and what restoration options may be available to address your chipped tooth.
Why Are My Teeth Chipping?
There are a few different reasons why you may have a chipped tooth. These include:
* An accident. One very common reason for a chipped tooth is an accident. You may fall down, or you made have gotten hit in the mouth while playing a sport. While some accidents can’t be prevented, if it is a sports injury remember to wear a mouth guard in the future.
* Tooth decay. Tooth decay will wear away at your teeth over time. Eventually, your tooth can become more vulnerable and likely to chip. To avoid this, make sure you regularly visit your dentist and take proper care of your oral health. If your chip is due to decay, visit the dentist as soon as you can so the decay doesn’t get worse.
* Chewing on hard objects. Chewing on hard candy, ice, pen caps, and other hard objects can damage and even chip your teeth.
* Bruxism. Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of the teeth. It generally happens at night, which makes it difficult to discover. If you wake up with a sore jaw, pain, or any other discomfort, consider a mouth guard. If you chipped your tooth in your sleep, there’s a good chance you have bruxism. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more about the condition and see if you have it.
What Do I Do When I Chip My Tooth?
Some of the things you’ll want to do when you chip your tooth include:
* Schedule an appointment with your dentist.
* Rinse out your mouth after the injury with salt water.
* Stick to soft foods and try to avoid using the tooth.
* Take over-the-counter pain medication if your tooth is hurting.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Chipped Teeth?
The treatment method that is right for you will depend on the severity of the chip. Some common restoration options for damaged teeth include:
* Dental bonding
* Dental veneers
* Dental crowns
If the damage is minor, your dentist will likely opt for dental bonding or possibly a veneer. If the damage is more severe, your dentist will need to consider the placement of a dental crown.
Keep in mind, if the chipped tooth is due to tooth decay, the decay will first need to be addressed before any restorations.
Reach Out Today
If you have recently chipped or otherwise damaged your tooth, reach out today. We’ll take a look at the tooth and determine the best method of restoration to repair it.