Ever noticed a small, unexpected change in your tooth’s shape, or felt a new sharp tooth edge with your tongue? You are likely dealing with a chipped tooth.
While it may be unnerving, in terms of “dental trauma,” chipped teeth are relatively minor provided the nerve is not exposed.
In this post, we explore the causes of teeth chipping, and discuss effective solutions.
Quick Answer: Why Are My Teeth Chipping?
The key culprit of teeth chipping is usually tooth decay. Decay weakens teeth, making them prone to damage.
Other factors contributing to chipping include trauma, misusing teeth as tools, certain medical conditions, and dietary habits.
Your best defense? Maintain good oral hygiene and keep up with your regular dental check-ups. This helps in preventing decay and in maintaining strong, chip-resistant teeth.
Common Causes of Teeth Chipping
Trauma
A common cause of teeth chipping is trauma, often resulting from accidents or sports injuries. We won’t spend too much time discussing this — if your teeth are chipped after a slip, trip, or fall, you probably already know the cause of the chipped tooth.
Fillings at the Incisal Edge (Tip of the Tooth)
Fillings at the tip of the tooth are much more prone to breakage. Usually, it's the filling that gets chipped, or comes unbonded, rather than the tooth itself.
For patients that have numerous fillings at the tips of their teeth, chipping and unbonding is, unfortunately, quite common.
In minor cases, it may be possible to smooth the irregularity to create an esthetic appearance, rather than adding a new filling. In moderate cases, the filling will typically be replaced. In severe cases, the tooth may need a crown.
Teeth with Root Canal Treatment
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are more susceptible to chipping due to the loss of blood supply to the tooth, resulting in a more brittle tooth structure.
This, combined with the fact that root canal teeth are often missing >50% of the natural tooth structure, is part of the reason why dentists often recommend crowns after a root canal treatment.
Worn or Damaged Enamel
Enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, can wear down or become damaged over time, leading to chipping. This can occur due to aging, trauma, or even just repeated grinding and chewing motions throughout your lifetime.
Irregular Bite
An irregular bite or misalignment of teeth can increase the risk of chipping, as uneven pressure may be exerted on certain teeth.
Ideally, your back teeth receive most of the biting force when you chew. However, it is quite common for misaligned teeth to concentrate chewing force on the front teeth, making them more susceptible to chipping.
Often, orthodontics (braces) can correct or improve this condition.
Alternatively, patients that are missing numerous back teeth will receive more chewing pressure on their front teeth. Again, the result is increased risk of chipped front teeth.
Acid Erosion
Acidic food and drinks (energy drinks, sour candies, etc.) can cause erosion of the enamel. Over time, this makes the teeth more susceptible to chipping.
Conditions like GERD, bulimia, or even alcoholism can also cause enamel erosion.
Using Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools, like for biting packaging or nails, can easily cause chipping.
Our teeth are designed for eating, not for carrying out the tasks meant for tools. When we use our teeth as tools, we expose them to undue stress and force, causing them to chip or crack over time.
Dry Mouth or Xerostomia
Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is a condition characterized by a decreased production of saliva. Unfortunately, this can make your teeth brittle and prone to chipping.
It's often a side effect of certain medications, or it can be a symptom of systemic diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome or diabetes. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health - it helps neutralize acid and aids in digestion.
With less saliva, the teeth are more prone to acid erosion, decay, and subsequently, chipping. Managing minor xerostomia can be as simple as drinking more water, but in some cases, medical treatment might be required.
Age Factor
Older adults, particularly the elderly, have a higher risk of chipping teeth due to natural wear and tear and decreased saliva production. Older people that are also missing numerous back teeth have a further increased risk of chipping front teeth.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is often a response to stress or anxiety but can also be associated with sleep disorders like sleep apnea. The pressure exerted during grinding can be significantly greater than the pressure during regular chewing, leading to worn enamel, fractures, and chipped teeth.
Weakened Enamel from Poor Hygiene or Decay
Tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, acts as the tooth's first line of defense against everything we eat and drink. However, it's not invincible.
Frequent consumption of highly acidic or sugary foods and drinks can erode this protective layer, making teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can also lead to decay which can further weaken enamel.
Once enamel is lost, it can't regenerate, and the underlying tooth becomes more vulnerable to chipping and other damage.
Eating Hard Foods
Regularly eating hard foods, especially using your front teeth, greatly increases the chance of chipping.
Foods like ice and hard candies can put an immense amount of pressure on your teeth, leading to chips or fractures, especially in teeth that are already weakened by fillings or root canals.
If you enjoy hard foods, try to use your back teeth to chew, as they're better equipped to handle the pressure, and avoid biting down on hard substances with your front teeth whenever possible.
Ways to Fix Chipped Teeth
Depending on the severity of the chip, there are several treatments that can restore the tooth to its former glory:
Smoothing: For minor chips, your dentist might simply smooth the rough edges.
Fillings: If a larger piece has chipped off, a filling might be the best solution.
Veneers: For front teeth, veneers can cover the chipped area, improving appearance and function.
Crowns: For more severe chips or for teeth that have undergone a root canal, a crown may be the best option.
Root Canal: If the chip has exposed the tooth's nerve, a root canal may be required to prevent infection and pain.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, chipping can be a result of various factors from trauma to lifestyle habits, and poor dental hygiene. By understanding these causes, we can take proactive steps in our daily life to prevent tooth chipping. Remember, your dentist is your partner in maintaining dental health, so don't hesitate to seek professional advice if you notice any changes in your teeth.
FAQs
How do I stop my teeth from chipping?
There are several preventive measures you can take to stop your teeth from chipping. These include maintaining good oral hygiene, using a mouth guard if you grind your teeth, avoiding using your teeth as tools, not chewing on hard foods or objects, and getting regular dental check-ups.
If you have a filling at the tip of your tooth or if you've undergone a root canal, follow your dentist’s recommendations about the possibility of a crown for additional protection.
Is it normal for teeth to chip?
While it's relatively common to experience minor chipping of the teeth, especially as we age, it's not necessarily 'normal' and should be addressed by a dentist. Regular chipping might indicate underlying dental health issues, such as tooth decay, enamel weakness, or an irregular bite.
What deficiency causes tooth chipping?
A deficiency in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus can potentially contribute to tooth chipping, as these nutrients are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. However, it's important to note that deficiencies are just one of many possible factors and are rarely the main cause of chipping.
Why do teeth with root canal treatments chip more often?
Teeth that have undergone a root canal treatment are more prone to chipping as the process can make the tooth more brittle. A tooth post root canal has had its inner pulp removed, which can make the remaining structure more fragile. This is why dentists often recommend crowns after root canal treatments.
Can chipped teeth repair themselves?
Unfortunately, chipped teeth cannot repair themselves. Unlike bones or other tissues in the body, once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot regenerate. However, a dentist can repair a chipped tooth with treatments like fillings, crowns, or veneers depending on the severity of the chip.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.