It’s Easy (And Smart) To Fix A Chipped Tooth

Is it chipped or do I have a cracked tooth?

This is a common question. A tooth remains intact when a crack occurs. This crack may extend all the way down from the gum line to the chewing surface. The crack or the fracture line may be visible to the naked eye or may show in an x-ray or under a microscope. Sometimes this crack can extend to the root and pulp causing severe pain.

A chipped tooth, on the other hand, is a broken tooth. A small or a bigger portion of the tooth may be broken due to a number of reasons. 

Causes of a chipped tooth

• Injuries during contact sports when one does not wear protective gear 
• Falls, accidents, and other injuries
• Biting down on hard foods like ice or hard surfaces
• Tearing tough packaging or plastic with teeth
• Compulsive or night time teeth grinding

The various risk factors

These are the factors that make a tooth or the teeth more prone to cracks, chipping or fractures. These are-

• Playing contact sports without protective gear
• The habit of biting on hard surfaces and food
• Teeth grinding
• Previously injured or cracked tooth is more prone to further damage with less impact
• Cavities and other health issues which weaken the teeth and the tooth enamel
• Acid reflux, eating acidic foods and soft drinks like soda, and fruit juices can break down the enamel over time
• Poor oral hygiene exposes teeth to bacterial degradation and infections
• As one age, the enamel and teeth weaken

Symptoms of a chipped tooth

• An uneven or jagged surface
• Gum irritation or swelling
• Bite to the cheek or tongue
• Pain from pressure when eating or biting a food
• Sensitivity from food and water

How to fix a chipped tooth?

Dental problems are not only cosmetic issues but they also cause a lot of pain and distress. When a person has a chipped or cracked tooth it can lead to pain, loss of tooth if not treated in time, a change in appearance, etc. The treatment, cost, time, and healing depend upon the type of injury, the extent of damage, and how early the damage is addressed, amongst other things. 

How to fix a chipped tooth at home? 

Now, this is something most people want to know and this is only possible with minor damage. In other cases, you will need dental treatment. Even in the latter scenario, there are certain things you can do before seeing the dentist at Morgan Hill Dentistry which is an emergency dental clinic that can minimize the damage, reduce pain and reduce distress. 

Here is what to do when you have a chipped tooth or a cracked tooth. Read more