Chipped Teeth – Prevention And Treatment Options At Our Wickford Dental Practice

Not always a minor issue, a chipped tooth can lead to further damage.

The definition of a ‘chipped tooth’ is somewhat flexible. In some cases, it may simply mean that a tiny piece has broken away from the tooth and is causing no more problems than a bit of a rough edge on the tooth. In other situations, it may mean that a larger piece has broken away and could potentially be putting the tooth at risk.

In either case, there may be no pain or discomfort other than that caused by sharp edges grazing the soft tissues of the oral cavity such as tongue, lips or cheek, but this shouldn’t be taken as an indication that there is nothing serious about the damage.

Don’t ignore chipped teeth

If a tooth has become chipped, you should always contact the Cygnet Dental Practice to have it looked at. It may be that the damage is superficial, but if the layer beneath the enamel, known as the dentin layer, has been reached, this can allow bacteria to enter the tooth. This will almost certainly lead to tooth decay and, if not treated, possibly even root canal infections.

The other risk is that, however small the chip is, and it may not pose an immediate threat to the affected tooth, it can be the start of a gradual weakening process of the tooth structure that can lead to the tooth becoming more vulnerable to future damage such as breakages.

Causes of chipped teeth

There can be a number of reasons for this type of damage. Accidents such as falls can be one and these are probably more likely to result in larger chips breaking off. Smaller amounts of damage may come from something as simple as biting into a small piece of hard material that has found its way into food. Even something like a whole spice in a curry could cause this damage if the area is already weakened. If the corner or a tooth has been worn away over time, for example, and is very ‘thin’, even eating a soft food can eventually cause this as the tooth finally gives way.

Bruxism

Another not uncommon cause of chips, cracks and other breakages that we sometimes see at our Wickford dental clinic, is bruxism, or teeth grinding. This is a difficult one to prevent and treat as this usually happens when we are asleep. This can range from mild grinding to almost tooth shattering levels. Mouthguards may help to greatly reduce the risk of this and we can offer advice on this. Treating bruxism though can be difficult and is often linked to stress and anxiety. As this can also affect your overall health, talking to your GP is a good place to start.

Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by erosion, but even if you can’t see a small chip; if you start to feel quite sharp sensations when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it may be one that is causing this. Aside from the discomfort this can cause, you should have this checked by one of our Wickford dentists to ensure that this issue doesn’t become even more serious and lead to decay and other issues.

Restoring a chipped tooth

Where just a tiny chip has come away from the tooth and has a sharp edge that scratches or cuts the lips and cheeks but is otherwise harmless, we may apply some cosmetic bonding to smooth the area and make it more comfortable for you. Where a larger portion has come away from the tooth and is exposing the dentin area, a filling, porcelain tooth veneer or even a crown may be required to protect the tooth and strengthen it against further damage.

Although you can’t anticipate accidental damage, the reality remains that keeping your teeth strong and in good health is an excellent preventative measure, so please remember to brush and floss your teeth well and make sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride to help strengthen the protective tooth enamel.

Finally .. if in doubt …..

If you have noticed a small chip, however tiny it is, please don’t just leave it until your next appointment before mentioning it. It is always best to treat a problem as early as possible so do make sure to have it seen by a dentist so that prompt action can be taken where appropriate.

If you have a chipped tooth and would like us to check to see if it requires treatment, please contact us for an appointment. You can do this by calling the Cygnet Dental Practice on 01268 733078.