Are Chipped Teeth Common?
Chipping a tooth is a very common dental injury and can happen to patients of any age, though active children and elderly patients are more susceptible to chipping a tooth. If left untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to a larger break or fracture in the tooth. While a chipped tooth is not typically considered an emergency, it should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Those who frequently experience chipped teeth should see their dentist for an evaluation to see if there is an underlying cause. There are a number of factors that can cause chipping teeth, including poor oral hygiene, bruxism, aging, or poor nutrition. It is important to have the damaged areas restored so they do not get worse.
Are chipped teeth common?
As we mentioned above, there are a few reasons that one may experience chipped teeth. Let's take a closer look at a few of the factors that can cause chipped teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is crucial not only to oral health but overall systemic health. Poor oral hygiene leads to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, causing tooth decay and damage to the enamel. The enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth from daily wear and tear, and when the enamel is compromised, teeth become more susceptible to decay and chipping.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding of the teeth. A lot of patients grind their teeth in their sleep, putting a lot of pressure on the teeth and even causing them to chip or crack. Misaligned teeth are also more likely to chip when opposing teeth hit against each other when you eat and speak. Malocclusion is especially problematic if the patient also suffers from bruxism, which can exacerbate tooth wear and cause chips to happen more frequently.
Aging and Genetics
Tooth enamel does naturally begin to wear away as we age, leading to an increased risk of chips and other issues. Genetics can have an impact on some who may simply have weaker teeth. Patients with weak tooth enamel are more likely to develop periodontal disease.
Poor Nutrition
Good nutrition supports all aspects of the body. Dairy products and leafy greens that contain calcium and other nutrients are beneficial to the health of your teeth. Acidic and sugary foods can be harmful to teeth. Encouraging a healthy diet in children is crucial to the development of strong teeth and should continue into adulthood to protect their teeth.
Other Contributing Factors
Patients who suffer from underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux, GERD, or bulimia are at a higher risk of decay and enamel erosion, which can contribute to chipped teeth. One more factor can pose a risk of chipped teeth: facial piercings. Lip, cheek, or tongue piercings can greatly increase the risk of a tooth being chipped if you get bumped in the mouth or have an accident or fall.
If you experience a chipped tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible. A chip will only get worse, so it is important to have the chip repaired to prevent further damage.