Hidden Culprits To Chipped Teeth

When we think of chipping or fracturing a tooth, we typically think of a fall or injury. While accidental trauma is the most common reason for chipped teeth, there are everyday habits and lifestyle choices that can lead to tooth damage. 

Stress

While stress in general cannot cause your tooth to chip, if you grind your teeth in times of stress, you are putting your teeth at great risk. Many people grind their teeth during sleep (bruxism). These excessive forces on your teeth over time can cause chipping, cracking and enamel damage. Fortunately, bruxism is very treatable with the use of a custom mouthguard from your dentist.

Piercings

Your smile is safe if you just have your ears pierced. However, if you’ve decided to decorate your tongue with a piercing, you are putting your teeth in danger. Tongue piercings not only increase your risk for oral infection, but they can also lead to chipped teeth. In fact, the Journal of Periodontology exposed research that states that 47 percent of people who wear tongue jewelry for at least four years have experienced chipped teeth.

A Crooked Smile

You may think that your crooked or crowded teeth are just a matter of aesthetics. The truth is, crooked teeth and malocclusion can put excessive strain on teeth that were not designed to handle it. This can lead to chips and cracks until the alignment is treated. Consider a straightening solution such as braces or Invisalign if you have chipped teeth caused by a crooked smile.

Nail Biting

Nail biting is another stress-induced or nervous habit that can seem harmless but actually poses a major threat to your smile. Your teeth were made to chew food, not cut or tear your nails. To protect your teeth from chips, grab the clippers instead.

Chomping Ice

If you are prone to chew ice after you finish your drink, you’ve probably done it your entire life or for a long period of time. Not only does this put strain on your jaw muscles, but it can also cause the enamel of your teeth to chip off and need repair. If you must chew, replace your ice with a stick of sugarless gum.

At Mitzi Morris, DMD, we are fully qualified to fix your chipped teeth. We use tooth colored composite resin to seamlessly restore your tooth in a way that looks natural and provides reliable durability. However, it is our goal to help you prevent chipped teeth in the first place. Take a hard look at your lifestyle habits and choices to ensure your smile is protected.