No matter the reason, chipping your teeth is a common problem for many children and adults. The dentist has a variety of treatment options for you to repair the chip and return your mouth to good health. While there are about ten different reasons why your tooth may have chipped, there are many people who have had to make an appointment to get their chip addressed.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth enamel, or the protective outer layer of the teeth, can be broken down and worn away by bacteria over time. The bacteria builds up and forms plaque which can harden and turn to tartar. The bacteria releases acid as a result of consuming sugar and carbohydrates from your diet. The acid strips the enamel of its minerals and leaves the inner layers of the teeth more subject to decay. Dentists can use a composite resin to create a filling to strengthen enamel in weak spots.
2. Acid
Not only does the bacteria produce acid that damages your tooth enamel, but your diet is full of acids that you may not realize are adding to the damage to your teeth. Juice drinks, carbonated beverages, and even wine have acids that wear down your teeth’s enamel layer. If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, the acids from your stomach are even stronger than the ones from the bacteria or your diet.
3. Insufficient Nutrition
Your enamel gets stronger and stays stronger from minerals like calcium and fluoride in your diet. Dairy products and leafy greens are great sources of calcium for your teeth and bones. Fluoride in your toothpaste or water can help your teeth stay one of the hardest materials in your body. You can start including calcium and fluoride in your diet as a child and keep them consistent for years to come.
4. Bite Misalignment
Some people are born with their teeth misaligned and other people’s teeth shift after they have orthodontic treatments. If your teeth are not properly matched when your bite down, spots on your teeth that are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing.
5. Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Bruxism is when you clench your teeth involuntarily either during the day or while you are asleep. Some people struggle with this as a result of anxiety or stress. Enamel wears down in the spots of pressure, leaving your teeth easier to chip.
6. Injuries From Sports
Contact sports, but any sport with unpredictable objects flying around can leave your mouth and teeth at risk for damage.
7. Risks From Occupations
Depending on your job, you may be more likely to clench your jaw from stress or be hit in the mouth leaving your teeth open to being chipped.
8. Piercing In and Around the Mouth
Any additional metal from lip, cheek, or tongue piercings can make it much easier to chip your teeth.
9. Age
Your enamel naturally wears down over time, so if you enamel is not strong enough, your tooth will chip.
10. Genetic or Family History
If you are trying to do everything properly, but your teeth still chip you should talk to your family members about their dental history. You may find you have that in common with them too.