Are Chipped Teeth Common?
One of the most common dental injuries for patients is chipped teeth. While anyone can chip a tooth unexpectedly, some patients are at a higher risk compared to others. Chipped teeth can compromise a patient’s oral health and should be addressed right away.
In some cases, the teeth become damaged because they are weak. Other times, the patient may have certain habits or lifestyles which puts them at a higher risk. Patients may also chip a tooth as the consequence of other dental issues or pressure placed on the teeth.
Patients who have a chipped or broken tooth should follow up with their dentist right away. The dentist can help determine the cause and determine the best treatment to restore the tooth (which may include dental bonding). Even healthy teeth can chip when they experience pressure or trauma.
Below is a summary of factors which place a patient at an increased risk for chipped teeth:
Decay
Tooth decay occurs when the tooth’s enamel is worn down from bacteria. Bacteria accumulates on the teeth as plaque and releases acids after patients consume things which contain sugars and carbohydrates. When the protective layer of enamel wears down over time, the teeth are damaged more easily. When a patient has had a medium or large cavity repaired with a filling, their tooth may also be more likely to chip.
Acid Wear
The teeth can also be worn down from having contact with acids. The teeth can be exposed to acids based on the patient’s diet. Things such as fruit juices, carbonated drinks, wine, and coffee all contain acid. The teeth may also be exposed to harmful acids due to medical conditions including acid reflux, heartburn, and morning sickness. Patients who have an eating disorder also expose their teeth to harmful stomach acids.
Poor Nutrition
Some types of foods can lead to decay and erosion, while other types of foods are important for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. Foods such as such as dairy, leafy greens, and other foods which have high nutritional value are important to include in a balanced diet. It is especially important for young children with developing teeth to consume nutritious foods. It is also important for adults to consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamins to ensure their teeth remain strong and healthy.
Misaligned Bite
In some cases, the patient may have an uneven bite which means the teeth do not fit together properly. A misaligned bit can place added pressure on certain teeth. This can make the teeth more likely to chip or crack. Bite issues can also cause issues with the jaw or TMJ disorder.
Grinding
Chronic grinding of the teeth is also called bruxism. While grinding can be associated with increased levels of stress and take place during the day, it often occurs when patients are sleeping. Grinding can cause uneven wear of the enamel and result in chipped or damaged teeth.
Injury
It is common for patients who participate in contact sports to experience injuries to the mouth. When a patient experiences an injury to the mouth, it often impacts the teeth. Patients may also chip a tooth due to a car accident, from falling, or other types of accidents.
Mouth Piercings
Patients with a piercing on their lip, cheek or tongue are also at an increased risk chipping a tooth if they are hit on the mouth. It is also possible for the tooth to chip from coming in contact with the jewelry.
Aging
As patients age, they are at an increased risk for tooth damage. This is due to the enamel naturally wearing down over time. The amount of wear and tear the patient experiences will vary based on the individual patient and based on their oral hygiene.
Genetics
While many of the common risk factors associated with chipped teeth can be controlled to a certain degree, some patients have weaker teeth simply because of their genes.