You’re chewing on ice, despite knowing that you shouldn’t, when your tooth chips.
If you’re one of those people who has chipped or cracked their teeth due to different reasons, then you should keep reading this article. In this article, we talk about the causes of a chipped or cracked tooth and what to do to avoid getting a chipped or cracked tooth. Finally, we go over what to do if your tooth has chipped or cracked.
Causes of chipped or cracked teeth
There are different reasons why a tooth might chip or crack. Here are a few of those reasons:
- You’ve had a traumatic incident happen that involved your teeth. For example, falling down or getting hit in the face.
- Your teeth are brittle.
- You’re grinding your teeth.
- You’re chewing on hard substances like ice (as in the example above) or hard candy.
- Your tooth’s enamel is exposed causing greater sensitivity to temperatures like cold water or hot coffee.
- Your teeth aren’t as strong as they could be.
In addition to these causes, there are other reasons that a tooth may become chipped or cracked. These reasons are often linked to oral hygiene and how you’re taking care of your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods, not staying hydrated, poor oral hygiene, and not visiting a dentist regularly can all contribute to the chipping or cracking of teeth.
How to tell if your tooth is cracked or chipped
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), minor cracks or chipping of the teeth are normal and often difficult to detect. Nevertheless, the ADA suggests that if you suspect you have a chipped tooth or crack, that you should visit a dentist before the chipping gets worse.
Here are some of the signs of a chipped or cracked tooth to keep an eye out for:
- Because your tooth is chipped and bumpy, your tongue may often get caught in it. This can cause your tongue to become irritated
- You can feel the unevenness or roughness of the chipped tooth when you pass your tongue over it
- Your gums seem extra sensitive
- You may have difficulty chewing
It’s important to remember that the ADA suggests that it’s often difficult for regular people to identify a smaller crack or chip. That’s why they suggest visiting the dentist regularly.
What to do if your tooth is cracked or chipped
If you suspect that your tooth is cracked or chipped, then you need to see a dentist. Depending on the extent of the chipping, your dentist may try different things. Your dentist may:
Attach the tooth back
If you were able to save the tooth and the crack isn’t too bad, then your dentist may be able to reattach the tooth. This is often great for situations where the chipped parts are accessible. That means that as soon as the tooth is chipped and you have the chipped piece, that you will need to see a dentist.
Recontour the tooth
Contouring isn’t just something that happens in cosmetic dentistry. Contouring the tooth that’s chipped often involves making the surface of the tooth smoother and less jagged. This makes it easier to avoid irritating different areas of your mouth including your tongue and gums.
Bond the tooth
Your dentist may use composite resin to fix the tooth. What this means is that the resin, which is the same color as your teeth, is sculpted and “added on” to your chipped tooth so that the chip is covered up.
Use porcelain veneers
Veneers look like real teeth and can replace missing or chipped teeth. In order to have the veneers that are suited for you ready for you, your dentist will make a resemblance of your teeth. Veneers last for a very long time.
Conduct a root canal
Your dentist may suggest a root canal if your tooth is infected. That’s because the dental pulp that often is the main site of the infection must be removed. Your dentist will then place a filling.
These options are just some ways that your dentist can help with a chipped or cracked tooth. You will need to visit your dentist to determine which method is right for you.
Finding the right dentist in North Carolina
If you’re looking for well-trained and knowledgeable dentists in North Carolina, reach out to us at Mills River Family Dental. At our clinic, we’ll be able to help you with your chipped or cracked teeth. We can also help you with a variety of dental issues, as well as being your primary dentist.
At our clinic, we have dentists trained in many areas of dentistry. We can help with both simple and complex issues. We will also make sure that you feel comfortable, safe, and heard. That’s because we value you, your needs, and concerns. Contact us today for more information on dental issues and their possible solutions.