Do Teeth Chip With Age?
As we grow older, our bodies change. From graying hair, muscle and bone loss, increased blood pressure, decline in vision and cognitive speed, to dental changes. The more our teeth are exposed to acidic drinks and food, the enamel will slowly thin and break down. So, what is tooth enamel, and why is it important?
The enamel on your teeth is like a shield. It protects the inner layers of your tooth; it is the first line of defense against acidity. When you eat or drink acidic foods, the tooth will begin to erode, which can cause your teeth to be extremely sensitive. Enamel helps to protect the structure and shape of our teeth.
Over time, as the enamel wears away, your teeth weaken and become more prone to chipping. This is fairly common, and the chances of it happening to you increase with age. With that being said, there are some precautions you can take to prevent chipping with age.
Maintain overall oral health
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Visit the dentist for a routine cleaning at least every 6 months
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid excess tobacco and alcohol use
- Protect your teeth in contact sports with a mouthguard
Monitor clenching/grinding
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. This often happens subconsciously, when you’re awake or asleep. With this condition, you are more likely to chip or break a tooth because it causes the enamel to gradually erode, which weakens the tooth. This is a common condition, and many people don't realize this bad habit until they chip a tooth.
Avoid biting on hard objects
20-30% of the population bite their fingernails. Chewing on hard objects like fingernails, candy, the back of a pen or pencil, a ball cap, etc., is an extremely bad habit that can lead to a tooth chip or break. On top of that, as your teeth age, they become weaker, and this only increases the likelihood of damage.
If you find yourself in the position where you need to see a doctor for a chipped tooth, below are common treatment options your dentist might recommend.
- 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.
As you get older, it is extremely important to keep the precautions above in mind to protect your teeth from damage.