Chipped Tooth: Causes, Treatment, Prevention

If your teeth become chipped in an accident, you are not alone. Sadly, a hit or fall impacting the mouth can do more than just cosmetic damage. It can lead to dental pain, tooth nerve exposure, infection, and other oral issues that warrant prompt medical attention.

Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment can vary. Taking necessary precautions to protect your mouth at all costs is important, such as always wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports. This article will give complete information about symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention tips for Chipped Tooth.

• According to research, 63% of dentists surveyed in a study reported a rise in prevalence of individuals with chipped teeth.

What is Chipped Tooth ?

Surprising to many, our tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our body! Yet, our teeth can still be subject to fracture. A chipped tooth occurs when a piece of tooth enamel breaks. Accidents can cause minor or major chips, which can cause the teeth to become sensitive and sharp and require immediate attention from a dental professional.

Symptoms of Chipped Tooth

• Visible chip - One of the easiest ways to diagnose a chipped tooth is to clinically see it. A chipped tooth will appear as if some of the tooth enamel has been lost and may appear jagged.
• Sensitivity - Chipped teeth will likely feel sensitive, especially to hot and cold temperatures. This is often due to exposure of inner layers of the teeth which are more sensitive than dental enamel.
• Gum Irritation - Your gums may appear swollen or tender around the chipped tooth.
• Rough or Jagged Edges - Chipped teeth do not normally happen in an organized fashion, so the fracture of dental enamel may leave a jagged surface especially when you run your tongue over it.
• Changes in Tooth Texture - Your tooth texture may appear different, especially in comparison to the adjacent teeth that did not suffer a fracture. It will often feel sharp or jagged.
• Pain - After chipping a tooth, you may experience sharp pain, particularly when pressure is applied to the tooth. This is often apparent after chewing.

Chipped Tooth Causes

Face or Mouth Injury

A common cause of chipped teeth is an accidental face or mouth injury. Without the proper oral protective gear, such as a face shield or mouthguard, a hard blow to the face can result in tooth enamel fracture or even the tooth being dislodged from the socket.

Cavities

Bacteria in the mouth form a sticky film called dental plaque from the sugars and foods we consume daily. If the dental plaque is not removed, the bacteria release acids that make your teeth weaker and form tooth decay, also known as cavities. As the tooth enamel breaks down, the tooth becomes more prone to fracture.

Biting Hard Objects

Chewing hard objects, such as ice, or tools like pencils, are poor oral habits that should be avoided at all costs. Biting hard objects can weaken your teeth and increase your risk of fracturing your teeth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is often the culprit of tooth decay, which weakens your teeth by creating tiny holes in them. Your teeth may become so weak because of the bacterial acids that it chips with even the slightest amount of chewing pressure.

Weakened Teeth

Acids produced by oral bacteria and the acids within your diet, such sodas and energy drinks, can erode your teeth. Tooth erosion makes your teeth weaker and more susceptible to fracture.

Large Fillings or Restorations

Large fillings or restorations are often placed on teeth that have become damaged whether by injury, tooth decay, or other factors. The large dental fillings may weaken the integrity of the tooth, as there is often not much natural tooth structure to strengthen the tooth.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can cause your tooth enamel to break off due to the excessive pressure. This can make teeth weaker and increase the risk of exposure of the sensitive inner layer of the tooth called the dentin.

What To Do When You Chip Your Tooth?

Rinse with Warm Water

Rinsing with warm water can help wash away debris and bacteria from the site of the chip. The warm water may also help alleviate pain.

Relieve Pain

If you are in pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol may help reduce pain and inflammation. You should speak with your health professionals prior to using over-the-counter medications if you have any allergies or complex medical history.

Shield Tongue and Cheeks

Chipped teeth can tear up your tongue or cheeks if the surface of the fracture is jagged. Until you are able to visit your dentist for treatment, dental wax may help cover the sharp edges of the fracture.

Protect the Chipped Tooth

While you are waiting to be seen by your dental professional, be sure to protect the tooth from further injury. Do your best to avoid chewing hard foods and applying pressure on the area.

Stop Bleeding

If you notice bleeding at the site of the tooth fracture, apply a clean gauze with gentle pressure to the area. Rinse and change out for a new gauze as needed.

Preserve the Chip

If you are able to maintain the fractured piece of the tooth, hang on to it and bring it with you to your dental appointment. You can transport the tooth in milk or saliva to prevent it from drying out. Reattachment of the broken piece may be possible in some cases.

Reduce Swelling

Try to reduce swelling if possible. Applying a cold compress to the area where your tooth is fractured can help the swelling go down.

Visit the Dentist

Visit your dentist as soon as you can after an incident. Chipped teeth can quickly worsen and lead to the spread of an infection. Prompt attention from your dentist can help save your tooth and keep your smile healthy.

How to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

Dental Onlays

A dental onlay is a restoration that covers damaged cusps of the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These restorations are custom-made and are often made from porcelain or gold.

Porcelain Veneer

A dental veneer can help restore a chip on the front teeth. Dental veneers are thin coverings typically made of porcelain, which resembles your natural tooth color and shape.

Bonding

Dental bonding can help restore small chips. Your dentist will bond a tooth-colored resin to your tooth and build it up to imitate your natural tooth.

Filling

For mild to moderate tooth chips, a dental filling may help restore the tooth to its natural shape. A tooth-colored composite or silver amalgam filling are commonly used as dental fillings.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a cap that encircles the damaged tooth to help restore its integrity. The tooth is prepared by smoothing the tooth enamel and removing any decay or sharp fragments. Then, a crown is custom-made to fit over the tooth preparation. They can be made of different metals, porcelain, or a combination of both.

Tooth Splint

For a tooth that is cracked, not chipped, a tooth splint may be possible. If a tooth suffered from a crack, a tooth splint may be recommended to help hold the tooth together by bonding it to a stronger neighboring tooth. Tooth splints are commonly used for loose teeth.

Tooth Reattachment

In rare cases, the broken tooth fragment may be able to be reattached to your tooth. If you have the chipped portion, bring it with you to your dental appointment and your dental professional will determine if reattachment may be possible.

Tooth Reshaping

For small chips, your tooth may be simply smoothed and polished to remove any sharp edges. This is often a simple and inexpensive treatment option to restore the tooth.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

The cost to repair a chipped tooth can vary depending on numerous factors, including the severity of the fracture, the treatment option used to repair the tooth, the practice, and your dental insurance coverage for instance. Dental treatments may range on average from $300 to $5,000.

Chipped Tooth: Before and After Transformation

Treatment of tooth fractures can make a huge transformation for your smile. Treatment is often relatively quick and simple. Restoring a fracture can help improve the function and appearance of your teeth.

How to Prevent a Chipped Tooth?

Avoid Chewing Hard Objects

Tools should never be placed in the mouth. Chewing on hard objects such as pencils can weaken your teeth and cause tooth fracture.

Be Cautious, Accidents Occur

Being cautious and taking necessary preventative measures is one of the best ways to lower your risk of damaging your teeth. If an emergency is to occur, do your best to remain calm and contact your medical professionals immediately for guidance.

Mindful Eating

Implement a tooth-friendly diet to help lower your risk of chipping a tooth. Limit consumption of foods that are extra hard and sticky or high in sugars and acids.

Wear a Mouth Guard During Sports

If you participate in contact sports or activities in which your mouth may be at risk of injury, it is important to wear a mouthguard and proper protection. Wearing protective gear can help prevent serious injury from occurring.

Wear a Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding or Clenching

If you suffer from grinding or clenching your teeth, your dental professional may recommend wearing a mouth guard to help protect your teeth from damage. Mouthguards can be used during the day or at night to help keep your upper and lower teeth from contacting each other.

Prevent Grinding

Tooth grinding can occur during the daytime or while sleeping at night. If you are conscious of a tooth grinding habit, it is important to inform your dental professional immediately for treatment to prevent tooth fracture.

Don't Use Teeth as a Tool

Your teeth should not be used as tools, such as to open items. Your teeth are not designed to withstand the pressure of opening items, and instead should be used naturally for eating.

Conclusion

Chipping a tooth can be frustrating, but your dental professionals are here to help. There are many treatment options to help save your tooth and restore its function and appearance. It is important to check for symptoms of a tooth fracture, as earlier treatment increases the likelihood of your tooth being saved and preventing infection. Do your best to protect your smile by taking preventative measures such as wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports or experience teeth grinding, practice good oral hygiene, avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth as tools, and visit your dentist regularly.