As individuals age, teeth can become more susceptible to chipping. While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it is not impervious to damage. This is a common concern, with older adults being more likely to experience chipped or fractured teeth.
How Teeth Change with Age
The natural aging process alters tooth structure, making teeth more vulnerable to damage. Enamel, the outermost protective layer, undergoes gradual wear from chewing and acid exposure. This leads to thinning and increased porosity, reducing its ability to withstand forces.
Beneath the enamel, dentin forms the bulk of the tooth. With age, dentin becomes less resilient due to secondary dentin formation. This process can narrow dentinal tubules, affecting the tooth’s structural integrity and reducing its ability to absorb stress.
The dental pulp also changes. The pulp chamber’s size decreases due to secondary dentin deposition. This reduction in volume can impact the tooth’s vitality and its capacity to respond to stresses, contributing to fragility.
Factors That Increase Chipping Risk
Beyond the natural aging of tooth structure, several external and lifestyle factors can significantly heighten the risk of teeth chipping. Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, exerts immense pressure on the teeth, leading to accelerated wear and microfractures. Many individuals may not even realize they grind their teeth, especially during sleep.
Dietary habits also play a role. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages erodes enamel over time, making it thinner and more susceptible to chipping. Biting hard objects or using teeth as tools can inflict sudden, excessive force, causing chips, especially in older, more brittle teeth.
Existing dental work, such as old fillings or crowns, can also contribute to chipping risk. Over many years, these restorations may wear down or develop marginal gaps, weakening the surrounding natural tooth structure and making it prone to fracture.
Gum recession, which exposes the softer root surfaces, can also increase vulnerability, as these areas are less protected than the enamel-covered crown and can be more susceptible to abrasion or notching. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, often a side effect of medications or a natural age-related change, reduces saliva’s protective effects. Saliva helps neutralize acids and remineralize enamel, so its reduction leaves teeth more vulnerable to decay and erosion, which in turn increases chipping susceptibility.
Strategies to Prevent Chipping
Taking proactive steps can help minimize the risk of teeth chipping as one ages. Regular dental check-ups are important for early detection and treatment of potential issues, such as small cracks or areas of wear, before they escalate into larger problems. Dentists can identify signs of enamel erosion, decay, or bruxism during these visits.
For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can provide a protective barrier, absorbing the forces that would otherwise damage tooth surfaces. Avoiding chewing on very hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or pens helps reduce the immediate stress placed on teeth. Modifying dietary habits by reducing the intake of highly acidic foods and beverages, or consuming them in moderation, can also help preserve enamel.
Maintaining good oral hygiene through consistent brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay, which weakens tooth structure. Ensuring adequate hydration and discussing dry mouth symptoms with a dentist can lead to strategies for managing reduced saliva flow, further protecting teeth from acid erosion and decay. These combined approaches support overall tooth strength and resilience.
Addressing Chipped Teeth
If a tooth chips, prompt action can often prevent further complications. Contacting a dentist as soon as possible is advisable, especially if there is pain, sensitivity, or a large piece of the tooth is missing. If the chipped fragment is recovered, it can be stored in milk or saliva and brought to the dental appointment, as sometimes it can be reattached.
The treatment for a chipped tooth depends on the severity and location of the damage. For small chips, particularly on front teeth, dental bonding is a common solution where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s appearance. For more significant cosmetic chips, especially on visible front teeth, veneers—thin, custom-made shells—can cover the tooth’s front surface to improve its appearance.
When a larger portion of the tooth is chipped or fractured, a dental crown, which is a custom-made cap, may be necessary to cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. In severe cases where the chip extends deep enough to expose the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal may be required to remove damaged tissue and prevent infection. If the damage is too extensive for repair, extraction might be the only remaining option.