Are Chipped Teeth Common?
Have you ever noticed a sharp edge or even a piece of tooth falling off when biting into hard food? You are not alone. A chipped tooth is a common injury that affects both children and adults, and it is not advisable to underestimate it. Even a small piece of tooth can mean a big problem - aesthetic, functional, and health-related.
Although teeth can withstand a lot â tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body â they are not invincible. The enamel can weaken over time and chip off part of the tooth.
Why does this happen? There are several reasons:
Why does a piece of a tooth break off?
- Contact
- Biting into a hard object or food â whether intentionally (e.g., hard candy, nut) or unintentionally (olive pit, bone).
How do I know if my tooth has chipped?
- Using teeth instead of scissors. Use other tools (that are designed for this purpose) to âcutâ thread, untie a knot, or open a package.
- Tooth decay. A damaged tooth structure is generally more prone to breaking.
Chipped tooth: What to do in such a case?
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) - Repeated pressure leads to microcracks and weakening of the enamel.
- Aging or previous dental treatment that has placed mechanical stress on the tooth (e.g., a large filling).
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- A fall, impact, or blow to the tooth.
- Thermal shock.
- Treatment of dental canals.
Sometimes the fragment is obvious at first glance â for example, when a front tooth is chipped. Other times, you may notice a sharp edge with your tongue or feel pain when biting or drinking cold drinks.
In general, any change in the comfort or appearance of a tooth is a reason to visit the dentist. However, if you want to know a few signals that could lead you to do so, these are:
- A visible crack in the tooth, which often only becomes apparent in stronger light or in a magnified mirror.
- Pain when biting or chewing, which can also occur after eating. Sometimes it is sharp, sometimes duller, but it repeats itself over and over again.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold, such as when drinking coffee or cold water.
- Inflammation and swelling around the tooth, especially if the crack is deep.
- Dental pulp infection which can manifest as throbbing pain, sensitivity to pressure, or even the formation of a pus-filled sac.
Don't delay seeing a dentist. Even a small chip can lead to decay, infection, or further damage. Do not try to grind, glue, or âfixâ the tooth at home. Rinse your mouth with water, avoid biting the affected side, and go to the dentist. Keep the broken piece (if you have one). It can serve as a template for repair.
Do you feel like there's something wrong with your teeth? Are you missing a piece of your tooth? Remember that a chipped tooth is a common problem that we can fix- especially right after it has happened, so donât delay; contact us today. Together, we'll find a solution (like dental bonding) t
