Do Teeth Chip With Age?
As people age, our bodies go through countless changes. This includes our mouths and teeth. As teeth are exposed to the acids in foods and drinks every day, their enamel gradually wears thinner and breaks down. This enamel is designed to protect the shape and structure of our teeth, and, as it diminishes and weakens, the teeth are more likely to chip; clinical estimates indicate that people over the age of 45 are considerably more likely to experience chipped or fractured teeth. Although this is a relatively common occurrence in aging populations, there are some steps you can take to prevent your teeth from chipping as you age.
Maintaining overall health and oral health are two key ways to keep the teeth strong and whole. Certain nutrients, like calcium and fluoride, can help protect the strength of the teeth and bones and keep them intact in the mouth. Combined with an effective oral hygiene routine, balanced nutrition can help prevent tooth decay, which weakens the teeth and makes them more prone to fracture. To keep the teeth healthy and durable, make sure to consume sufficient calcium and other nutrients, and keep the teeth clean by brushing twice daily and flossing daily. Make sure your drinking-water source is fluoridated, and brush the teeth with fluoride toothpaste to ensure that they’re protected with sufficient fluoride. If you have existing tooth decay, see your dentist for fillings, which restore and help maintain the structural integrity of the teeth and make them less susceptible to chips and breaks.
If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, you are also more prone to chipped or broken teeth. Bruxism causes the dental enamel and chewing surfaces of the teeth to gradually erode, weakening the teeth and making them more likely to chip. Problematically, many people don’t even realize that they’re grinding or clenching, which can be a habit that arises in times of stress and often happens while people are sleeping. This means that sometimes, symptoms like chipped teeth or jaw pain might be the first signs of bruxism. If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, your dentist can prescribe a custom night guard for you to wear to protect your teeth, and if your bruxism flares in times of stress or anxiety, your dentist can discuss stress-management techniques with you so you can help reduce their occurrence.
Chewing on exceptionally hard things, like candy, ice, pens, or fingernails is another common cause of chipped teeth. It’s also common to chip or break the teeth if you’re using them to open packages or bottles. As the teeth weaken with age, the danger posed by these destructive habits increases. Working to stop these habits can help protect the teeth and keep them whole for a lifetime, and your dentist can help you learn and adopt better habits. While the effects of aging might increase the likelihood of chipped teeth, with some behavior modification and healthy habits, you can do your part to keep your teeth whole, your oral cavity healthy, and your smile bright and vital.
If you have a chipped tooth, reach out to discuss dental bonding and other repair options.