Why Are My Teeth Chipping?
There are a number of reasons that a patient may experience a chipped tooth. A chipped tooth is a very common issue and can happen to patients of any age. One of the leading causes is poor oral hygiene, which can weaken tooth enamel. Additionally, the tooth can chip due to an accident or trauma, Brexit, or even age. If your tooth chips and you did not experience an accident or injury to the mouth, your dentist will be able to suss out the cause and treat you accordingly.
Why are my teeth chipping?
As we mentioned, one of the most common reasons a patient experiences chipping teeth is poor oral hygiene. When we brush and floss our teeth, we are removing the biofilm and plaque that builds up throughout the day. Without that regular removal, plaque calcifies into tartar and can compromise tooth enamel.
Medical conditions can cause patients to have weak enamel, such as acid reflux or bulimia, which causes stomach acids to repeatedly wash over the teeth, eroding tooth enamel.
Additional causes of chipping
Poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use can all have a huge impact on the strength of your tooth enamel. Acids and sugars in the foods and beverages we regularly consume can damage enamel. The enamel is the hard outer surface of our teeth, under which are softer structures that can become infected if the enamel is compromised.
Another issue that some patients may experience is clenching or grinding their teeth, which is called bruxism, and a lot of people do this in their sleep. Bruxism can cause jaw pain, neck pain, headaches, gum recession, and chipped or broken teeth. If you notice pain in your jaw or neck upon waking, speak with your dentist to see about getting a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Additionally, as we age, tooth enamel naturally begins to wear away, leaving teeth more susceptible to decay and damage.
What to do if you chip a tooth
The first thing you need to do if you chip a tooth is recognize any symptoms that you may be experiencing and call your dentist immediately. If you are not experiencing any sensitivity or pain, your dentist will be alright if they see you within a day or two, but if you are having any sort of discomfort, they will likely want to see you right away. Even a small chip can lead to severe damage over time, so it is important to have the chip evaluated and possibly smoothed or otherwise repaired. A chipped tooth will only get worse over time.
If you find that you chip a tooth after business hours, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent further damage. Over-the-counter pain medication can help with any discomfort that you may be feeling, as well as a warm saltwater rinse to help soothe swelling and keep the area clean. Make sure to eat soft foods and try to avoid biting or chewing on the affected tooth. You can also purchase dental wax at any pharmacy, which can be placed directly on the tooth to prevent any sharp edges from cutting your cheek or tongue.