What to Know About Chipped or Broken Teeth
So you bit down too hard or had a fall, and you felt a crack or a chip in one of your teeth. While it may happen to the best of us, a chipped or broken tooth is still a cause for concern and not just a cosmetic problem. When your tooth chips or breaks, a piece of the enamel breaks off, exposing dentin – the middle layer of the tooth – and causing sensitivity or pain depending on the size and severity of the break. Exposed teeth quickly become more susceptible to bacteria, which may lead to damage or decay if not addressed appropriately.
While you may be thinking of hard candy as the primary culprit, chipped teeth can happen for various reasons.
- Cavities – Teeth impacted by cavities may become weaker over time, leaving them more vulnerable to cracks and chips.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Teeth that are not well cared for often have weaker enamel, contributing to breaks and cracks over time.
- Bad Bites – Biting down on hard or cold objects like ice cubes or chicken bones can cause teeth to break or chip.
- Trauma – Accidents that involve blows to the mouth or falls on your face can cause broken or chipped teeth.
- Bruxism – Otherwise known as unconscious teeth grinding, night or daytime bruxism can cause teeth to crack or break over time.