Do Teeth Chip With Age?
Chipped teeth can be inconvenient and painful. Unfortunately, chipped teeth are quite prevalent and most patients will experience it sometime in their lives. As patients age, they are more likely to chip a tooth. Over time, the teeth become increasingly vulnerable and the enamel can begin to deteriorate. Chipped teeth are especially pronounced for patients who do not properly care for their teeth. Some patients even find that they regularly chip teeth as they age. The article below will review common causes for chipped teeth.
Bruxism
Chronic grinding of the teeth can cause major oral health issues. Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Grinding can result in serious issues including broken or fractured teeth. When patients grind their teeth, it damages the enamel and chewing surfaces over time. This increases the risk of the teeth chipping.
One of the most common signs of bruxism is chipped teeth. In many cases, patients grind their teeth at night and are not even aware of the habit. Patients are often made aware of their grinding habits because their dentist notices early signs of damage and wear.
Patients can often help protect their teeth from grinding by using a night guard. A night guard is a retainer that prevents the teeth from making contact with one another. The guards can be purchased over-the-counter or custom made by the dentist. Guards significantly reduce the pressure placed on the teeth from grinding.
If a tooth chips due to grinding, a dentist may recommend dental bonding.
Poor Diet
Patients who have a bad diet are often not receiving proper nutrition and vitamins. In order to maintain healthy teeth, it is important to consume a balanced diet which contains nutrients such as calcium and fluoride. Calcium, fluoride, and other minerals help to strengthen and protect the teeth from decay. A healthy diet is also important for maintaining good health in general.
Even when patients practice good oral hygiene, but fail to consume a healthy diet, they will likely experience decay and other issues. Teeth which have decay are at an increased risk of chipping because they are weak and less stable. A decayed tooth can chip from a small amount of pressure at the right angle.
Patients should consume a balanced diet and sufficient amounts of dairy to maintain healthy teeth and bones. Patients should also brush their teeth at least twice each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Patients can also obtain fluoride through the consumption of fluoridated water. The dentist can use a filling to help restore teeth with cavities. In some cases, the cavity or decay may require a crown if it is too large for a filling.
Lifestyle Habits
Chewing on hard things such as ice, hard candy, and pens can cause a great deal of damage to the teeth. The teeth are designed to chew foods, but are not designed to withstand the force of chewing on other objects. Patients who chew on these types of things, often damaged and chip their teeth.
Oral Hygiene
Patients who fail to practice good oral hygiene are also more likely to experiencing chipped teeth. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice each day and daily flossing. In addition, patients should make regular visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning. Regular visits to the dentist can be critical in the early detection of oral health issues.