Are Chipped Teeth Common?
Chipped teeth are very common. While anyone can chip a tooth, some people are more prone to dental fractures than others. This could be because their teeth are weakened by tooth decay or malnutrition, or because of certain habits and lifestyle circumstances that increase the risk of dental fracture; additionally, in some cases, orthodontic issues and some dental problems can put undue pressure on the teeth and cause them to crack or chip. You and your dentist can review your concerns to determine what’s causing your teeth to chip more easily and to focus on solving the issue, and you and your dentist can also discuss possible treatment options for repairing and restoring your smile.
Certain underlying circumstances can make the teeth more prone to chipping and breaking. These include chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth, tooth decay, dental enamel that is worn down by acid erosion, malnutrition, improper bite alignment, injuries and accidents, certain mouth piercings, genetics, and simple aging. Sometimes, a chipped tooth can be so minor that you don’t even notice it’s happened, while other times, the chip or break could be severe and cause immediate pain.
Dentists have many different procedures at their disposal when it comes to treating a chipped or fractured tooth. If you have a very small chip in your tooth, your dentist may be able to use a finely grained polishing tool to smooth out the rough edges and restore the shape of the tooth. Dentists might also propose using a dental bonding treatment, in which the dentist repairs the surface of the tooth with tooth-colored dental composite that is bonded to the tooth, or they may suggest porcelain veneers to cover the damaged tooth; each of these procedures can restore the integrity, function, and appearance of the affected tooth.
While it may seem that the reasons for repairing a chipped tooth are primarily cosmetic, the reality is that leaving a chipped tooth alone can pose risks to the health of the tooth and even the overall health. Even a small, seemingly insignificant chipped tooth should be checked out promptly by a dental professional, to reduce the likelihood of greater damage to the tooth or infection in its pulp. If the inside of the tooth becomes infected, you’ll need a root canal in order to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading, if the tooth is healthy enough to be saved. Once the infection has cleared, the tooth can be restored with a bonding treatment or veneers; if the tooth needs to be extracted, you and your dentist can discuss temporary and permanent replacement options for the missing tooth and begin treatment promptly.
Your dentist may also recommend certain preventive measures to keep the teeth from chipping, which might include improved oral hygiene and nutrition, regular dental checkups, orthodontic treatments, and teeth strengthening procedures. If your teeth are weakened because you chronically clench your jaw or grind your teeth, your dentist will recommend that you sleep with a night guard, and if you play contact sports or if tooth damage is an occupational hazard, you may also use a mouth guard to protect the teeth. While chipped teeth are common, in many cases, they can be prevented, and these safeguards could help prevent painful, damaging fractures and chips from occurring in the first place.