Common Causes of Chipped Teeth
Dr. James M. Stein has helped countless patients in the greater Boston area deal with serious chips and cracks. This is thanks to his advanced approach to restorative dentistry using the latest techniques and technology.
We'd like to use this blog post to look at some of the most common causes of chipped teeth and what a dentist can do about the issue.
Regular Wear and Tear
Regular biting and chewing that you do every day can slowly take its toll on your teeth. In advanced age, it's not uncommon for a tooth to chip or crack when eating something due to the gradual weakening of your tooth structure.
Chewing on Hard or Inedible Objects
One of the most common bad habits that people have is chewing n objects that they shouldn't. Biting your fingernails, for instance, will slowly do damage to your incisors and can lead to a chip with time. Other actions that can chip your teeth include nibbling on drinking straws, chomping on ice cubes, and chewing on pens or pen caps.
Using Your Teeth as Scissors
On the note of biting things you shouldn't, a lot of people tend to use their teeth as tools, particularly like scissors. You've probably seen a friend or loved one open a bag with their teeth, for instance. This can lead to damage over time, and can even chip or crack a tooth if you aren't careful. Remember: go with scissors instead.
Sports Injuries
When you play contact sports or combat sports, it's possible for you to experience a serious blow to the head or mouth that can lead to a chipped tooth. Even in non-contact sports that get very physical such as soccer and basketball, accidents can happen that lead to chipped teeth. That's why it's crucial to wear proper face, head, and mouth protection.
Auto Accidents and Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents can lead to major injuries, including broken bones and internal organ damage. It's not unheard of for a patient's teeth to suffer serious injuries in an auto collision either. Accidents on bikes, scooters, and skateboards can similarly lead to some damage to your teeth.
Weakening from Tooth Decay
If the enamel of your teeth is damaged over time, it makes chips and cracks far more likely to occur. That's why brushing and flossing regularly is key to have strong teeth that last you a lifetime.
Weakening from Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is a different issue from tooth decay. Erosion happens when acidity in the mouth weakens and destroys tooth enamel. This can similarly make your teeth more prone to serious breaks and damage.
Bad Falls and Physical Altercations
Slips, trips, and falls can all lead to a chipped tooth depending on how you land. It's also possible to experience a chipped or damaged tooth in a physical altercation or an attack.
Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth
There are many different dental restorations for chipped teeth. Typically, dental bonding is used for very minor chips. A porcelain veneer, inlay, onlay, or dental crown may be used for more serious chips depending on how bad the damage is. This can be determined during your visit to the practice.
Learn More About Treating Chipped and Damaged Teeth
To learn more about your treatments for chipped and cracked teeth, it's important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. James M. Stein and the entire team will help you have a smile that is healthy as well as beautiful.