Are Chipped Teeth Common?
Chipped teeth are a very common dental issue. According to the American Dental Association, around 10% of adults experience a chipped tooth at least once in their lives. Below, we will cover what a chipped tooth is, reasons why you might be more susceptible than others to experience a chipped tooth, and common treatment plans.
What is a chipped tooth?
A chipped tooth occurs when a piece of the tooth enamel breaks off. Common reasons for a chipped tooth are:
- Biting on hard objects such as your fingernails, ice, pens, straws, hard candy, and bottle caps.
- Using your teeth as a tool. For example, opening a bottle, tearing open a package, or tearing a tag off your clothes.
- Sugary and/or acidic foods or drinks. Examples include but are not limited to: soda, candies, citrus, coffee/tea, and alcohol.
- Grinding your teeth. Most often, this is done when you are stressed, anxious, or during sleep. Grinding can cause gradual erosion and weaken the enamel.
- Trauma to your mouth from an accident, such as a blow to your face, a car crash, an injury in sports, or a fall.
What are some common reasons why one might be more susceptible to a chipped tooth than others?
- Age: Over time, with age, our bodies start to decline in function, teeth included. After years and years of grinding, chewing, and acidic foods and drinks, tooth enamel will wear off. Tooth enamel is a shiny, hard, white layer on the outside of your teeth. It is the hardest substance in your body. But, because enamel is not a living tissue, it cannot grow back.
- Condition: Osteoporosis is a condition that can lead to jaw damage, which can then cause serious dental issues. Untreated cavities can also increase the risk of your teeth cracking or chipping.
- Lifestyle: If you are someone who plays contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, or boxing, you are likely to get hit in the face or mouth, which could lead to a chipped tooth. Always wear a mouthguard in contact sports to prevent any damage to your teeth.
- Poor Bite: A crooked bite can cause uneven friction and pressure, which can affect how you speak, eat, swallow, and bite. If your uneven bite causes your teeth to bear too much force, it can wear on the enamel and cause your teeth to crack or break from chewing or clenching.
- Poor Oral Health: One of the main reasons for chipped teeth is cavities. If a cavity goes unnoticed, it can weaken the teeth and make them more likely to chip.
What are common treatment plans for a chipped tooth?
- Enamel shaping or polishing: For a chipped tooth, the dentist may smooth out and polish the tooth so that it aligns and blends in with the others next to it.
- Bonding: Bonding is done by using a composite resin to fill in the chip.
- Veneers: Not only are veneers used for cosmetic purposes, but they can also be used to fix a chipped or broken tooth. They look natural, are durable, and provide protection by adding an additional layer to the tooth.
- Crowns: Crowns are in the shape of your tooth and cover it like a cap. This is common if you lose a large portion of your tooth.
- Filling: A filling, which can be made of many materials such as resin, porcelain, or metal, is not only used to fill cavities but can also be used to fix minor cracks or chips.
If you break or chip a tooth, call the dentist and get in for an appointment if necessary. If the chip or break is very severe, try to get in right away. Your dentist will come up with the best treatment plan for you.