Teeth are strong but not invulnerable. Everyday habits, accidents, and some health conditions can increase your chance of experiencing a chipped or broken tooth.
If you’re dealing with chipped and broken teeth in Grande Prairie, we have some insight on what can cause damage and how to avoid it.
Prevention starts with knowing what can get you into trouble in the first place, and that will help you in protecting your smile and making sure you don’t have to face a bigger dental issue.
Table of Contents
Why Should I Consult a Dentist About My Chipped Tooth?
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, talking with a dentist in Grande Prairie is the most responsible choice to prevent further damage.
Your dentist will assess the severity of the fracture and provide you with immediate dental treatment to restore your tooth with some cosmetic procedures, such as restorations, crowns, or veneers, to get your smile back to normal.
Waiting to visit a dentist may cause the tooth to become painful, potentially needing to be extracted, or cause an infection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Chipped Teeth?
There are several causes for chipped or broken teeth, but some common ones include:
- Biting hard objects like ice, nuts, pens, etc.
- Accidents or trauma to your face or mouth.
- Bruxism (grinding your teeth) often occurs while you sleep.
- A large filling or decay, which leads to the tooth structure being weak.
- Sudden temperature changes – eating something hot and drinking cold water right after.
The more you understand the common causes of chipped teeth, the easier it will become to avoid some of these nasty habits and keep your teeth strong.
What Are the Most Common Tooth Breakage Reasons?
There are several chipped teeth, which include the below:
- Sports injuries when not protected by mouthguards
- Acidic food and neglecting oral hygiene lead to weakened enamel
- Natural wear down of teeth due to aging
- Stress from clenching teeth while sleeping
- Prior dental work that no longer stabilizes the tooth
Understanding these causes helps you avoid risky habits and keep your teeth strong.
How Do You Start Preventing Tooth Damage?
The best way to prevent tooth damage is through good practice and regular dental care. Here are some suggestions:
- Do not chew hard foods or objects
- Protect your mouth from harm by wearing a sports or bruxism guard at night
- Brush and floss daily to keep the enamel strong
- Check your diet and limit acid and sugar, which can demineralize teeth
- See your dentist regularly and catch problems early
It is always more economical and convenient to prevent rather than to repair.
How Are Chipped and Broken Teeth Treated in Grande Prairie?
Your dentist will have several options for chipped and broken teeth in Grande Prairie, depending on the extent of the damage. Here are some solutions:
- Bonding, which is a tooth-coloured material to fix smaller chips
- Veneers are thin porcelain covers for the front of the teeth
- Crowns are caps that shape and hold the tooth together to restore strength and function in cases of larger breaks
- Root canals are used for the dread of a fracture that has made it to the tooth pulp
- Implants or bridges when teeth cannot be fixed
Rest assured, your dentist will recommend treatment after checking your tooth.
Why Protecting Your Smile is Important
Chipped and broken teeth may concern you at first; however, these problems become worse if untreated, as they can cause more pain and sensitivity often occurs as this continues until the infection becomes major.
With the right care and prevention, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years.
You Have The Power to Take Action
Being aware of the causes of chipped or broken teeth gives you the ability to protect your smile. From everyday habits to consulting your dental team, it all makes a difference.
Gateway Dentistry Group offers options for treating chipped and broken teeth. Our team is here to help inform you about treatment options and shape your smile back to health, while educating you about how to best protect it going forward.
Book your appointment today, and we will help you maintain strong and healthy teeth.
