A chipped tooth might not seem like an issue at first if it’s not causing pain, but it can actually cause problems for your smile and other teeth. Even small chips can turn into bigger issues if you don’t take care of them.
When your tooth chips, it’s like breaking the protective shield that keeps your tooth safe. Without this strong outer enamel layer, your tooth becomes weaker and more likely to wear down faster or get cavities. Bacteria can sneak into tiny cracks and start causing damage from the inside.
Dentists can fix chipped teeth easily, especially when you take care of it right away. Whether it’s with bonding, a crown, or another treatment, getting it fixed quickly means you can keep your smile looking great and avoid more serious problems.
Premature Wearing
When you have a chipped tooth, the damaged area is weaker and more susceptible to wear and tear. This can cause premature wear, sensitivity, and pain over time. Without treatment, premature wearing can cause further dental problems and even tooth loss.
To prevent premature wearing, you should talk to your dentist about your options as soon as possible. It’s likely that your dentist will recommend dental bonding, depending on the size of your chip. If the chip is severe, you may need a dental crown to restore and protect the tooth from further damage.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Chipped teeth can also increase your risk of tooth decay. It creates an opening in the enamel that can allow bacteria to enter and cause decay. Additionally, the rough edges of a chipped tooth can make it more difficult to clean the area and cause plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
A chipped tooth can also cause a TMJ disorder. TMD is a condition that affects the jaw joint and can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement. When a tooth is chipped, it can cause an imbalance in your bite, putting additional stress on the jaw joint. This stress can cause a TMJ disorder over time.
Without fast treatment, TMJ can cause tension headaches and even trouble eating. The strain on your jaw and neck muscles can cause significant discomfort. The sooner you can talk to your dentist, the better. As TMJ progresses, it can become harder to treat.
Aesthetic Concerns
Chipped teeth can also have a negative impact on the appearance of your smile. When a tooth is chipped, it can create a jagged edge that can be unsightly and make you self-conscious about your smile. If the chip is large, it can make the tooth look misshapen or smaller than the surrounding teeth.
How Teeth Get Chipped in the First Place
You might be surprised by how easy it is to chip a tooth. Common causes include biting down on hard foods like ice or candy, sports injuries without a mouthguard, or even just regular wear and tear over time.
Teeth can also chip from sudden temperature changes or from grinding your teeth at night. Even something as simple as opening a package with your teeth can cause damage. Knowing these risks can help you protect your smile.
What to Do Right After Chipping a Tooth
If you chip your tooth, don’t panic! First, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Save any broken tooth pieces if possible by putting them in a cup of milk or your own saliva.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, and avoid chewing with that tooth. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax to protect your tongue and cheeks. Most importantly, call your dentist right away. Even if it doesn’t hurt, it’s best to get it checked within 24 hours.
Different Ways Dentists Fix Chipped Teeth
Dentists have several ways to repair chipped teeth depending on the damage. For small chips, tooth-colored bonding can often fix it in one visit. Larger chips might need a dental veneer. If the chip is very large or the tooth is weak and snesitive, a crown might be the best.
For chips that expose the inner tooth, you might need a root canal before these other treatments. Your dentist will recommend what’s best for your specific situation.
Preventing Future Chips and Protecting Your Smile
Once your chipped tooth is fixed, you’ll want to prevent it from happening again. Wear a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth at night. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other extremely hard foods. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
Regular dental checkups can catch weak spots before they chip. If you have old fillings or weakened teeth, your dentist might suggest preventive treatments like sealants or night guards. Taking these simple steps can keep your smile strong and chip-free.
Repair your chipped tooth as soon as possible to prevent further damage and dental problems. Visit Aesthetic Dentistry Centre for treatment options to restore and protect the tooth from further damage. By caring for your chipped teeth, you can maintain a healthy smile for many years.