Enamel, the outer layer of a tooth, is the hardest substance in the human body, but it is not impervious to damage. Dental chipping is a minor fracture where a small piece of this protective enamel, or sometimes the underlying dentin, breaks away. While fairly common, a chip is not an indication of a healthy mouth and should never be ignored. Even a small fracture compromises the tooth’s integrity, warranting a professional dental assessment to prevent further complications.
Understanding Why Teeth Chip
Teeth chip due to a combination of sudden high forces and long-term structural compromises that weaken the enamel. The most obvious cause is acute trauma, such as a fall, a sports injury, or biting down unexpectedly on a hard object like a bone or an unpopped popcorn kernel. These impacts create a high-stress event that the tooth structure cannot fully absorb, leading to an immediate fracture.
Habitual behaviors, often performed subconsciously, also contribute significantly to chipping over time. Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching, places immense, repetitive pressure on the teeth, gradually wearing down the enamel and making the edges brittle. Chewing on non-food items, such as ice, pen caps, or fingernails, introduces micro-fractures that eventually culminate in a noticeable chip.
Chipping can also signal underlying structural weakness within the tooth. Existing tooth decay, caused by bacterial acids eroding the enamel, weakens the tooth until normal chewing forces cause a break. Teeth with large, old fillings may also be susceptible to fracture because the restoration may no longer fully support the surrounding structure. Enamel can also be thinned and softened by age, acid erosion from certain diets, or conditions like acid reflux, predisposing the tooth to chipping.
Immediate Action After Chipping
Taking prompt action after chipping a tooth helps manage discomfort and protect the tooth until a dentist can be seen. Immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clear the area of fragments and debris. A salt-water rinse can also gently cleanse the area and reduce irritation.
If there is any swelling on the cheek or jaw area, applying a cold compress to the outside of the face can help to reduce inflammation and numb the area temporarily. Should the chipped piece be large enough to find, collect it and place it in a container of milk or saliva, as the dentist may be able to use the fragment during the repair.
A sharp or jagged edge on the chipped tooth can easily irritate or cut the tongue, cheek, or lip tissue. To protect the soft tissues, cover the sharp edge with a piece of dental wax, a temporary dental filling material, or even a piece of sugarless chewing gum. Avoid chewing food on the side of the mouth with the damaged tooth to prevent causing further damage or pain.
Professional Dental Repair Options
The treatment chosen for a chipped tooth depends on the extent of the damage to the enamel and dentin. For very minor chips, especially those not visible on the biting surface, the dentist may simply smooth and polish the rough edge. This process, known as recontouring, eliminates the sharp point and prevents irritation or further wear.
If the chip is small to moderate and located on a visible tooth, dental bonding is a common, cost-effective solution. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin directly to the damaged area, which the dentist then sculpts and shapes to match the natural tooth contour. The resin is hardened using a special curing light and polished, typically completing the restoration in a single office visit.
For moderate chips or when the damage is primarily cosmetic, a porcelain veneer provides a more durable and aesthetically pleasing option. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain custom-crafted in a dental laboratory to cover the entire front surface of the tooth. Placing a veneer requires removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a secure and non-bulky fit, resulting in a strong, stain-resistant restoration that lasts for many years.
When the chip is extensive and involves a large loss of tooth structure, or if the tooth is weakened, a dental crown is often the recommended treatment. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its full shape, function, and strength. The tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown, which can be made of materials like porcelain or ceramic, offering the highest level of protection against future breakage.
Strategies for Preventing Future Chips
Preventing future chips involves protecting the teeth from undue force and ensuring underlying tooth strength. One effective preventative measure is wearing protective gear during activities that carry an impact risk. An athletic mouthguard should be worn during contact sports to cushion blows and distribute impact forces away from the teeth.
For those who grind their teeth, a custom-fitted nightguard prescribed by a dentist prevents damage from bruxism. This appliance creates a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing the intense forces generated during clenching or grinding while sleeping. Also, avoid chewing on hard, non-food items like ice, hard candy, or pen caps, as these habits introduce unnecessary stress and micro-fractures.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are foundational to prevention. Consistent brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing helps maintain strong enamel by protecting against decay. Regular professional examinations allow the dentist to identify and address early signs of enamel erosion, failing restorations, or uneven bite forces before they lead to a chip or fracture.