Top Causes of Chipped and Cracked Teeth

If your teeth are chipping or cracking, you’ve probably already noticed. While the severity of the injury can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a major emergency, it is usually preventable. The key is to avoid these common causes shared with you today by your trusted local dentist in Waterford:

Playing Sports without a Mouthguard

Any vigorous activity poses a threat to your teeth when you are around other people. When groups of people are running around together, there is a risk of collisions and tripping. Falls from such mishaps as these can chip and damage your teeth. This includes contact sports like football and sports like basketball, volleyball, and baseball, among others.

Damage from Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a fairly common occurrence that is more than just a nuisance. If it goes unchecked, it can cause severe damage to your teeth, including chipping and cracking. In order to stop you from grinding your teeth, wear a mouthguard at night. You might also consider talking to your dentist about an alternative to grinding your teeth, such as a dental appliance or splint.

Damage from Stress or Anxiety

In addition to teeth grinding, grinding your teeth can also occur during times of stress or anxiety. If this happens to you, wear a mouthguard. In some cases, it might even help you relax.

Damage from Toothpaste

It’s hard to believe that something you use daily could cause such damage, but it’s true. The fluoride in toothpaste can cause a thin layer of enamel to become weakened and chip off of your teeth. In order to minimize this potential damage, brush and floss your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a water-based softener instead of toothpaste.

Damage from Eating Hard or Crispy Food

If you love eating and have a taste for more hard or crispy food, such as crisp veggies and crunchy snacks, then you could be at risk of chipping your teeth. This is because harder foods, especially those with a crispy shell, are more likely to break your teeth. It’s challenging to avoid these foods, but the best way to protect yourself is to keep your teeth strong by brushing and flossing them regularly.

Damage from Normal Eating Habits

If you are not particularly fond of sandwiches or chips, you might not see yourself at risk for chipped teeth, but you still should be aware of the risks. Your teeth are at risk of chipping when you bite down on objects that are quite hard, such as a potato chip or a carrot. The best way to prevent this is to brush and floss your teeth after you eat to remove any food particles that could damage your teeth.

Conclusion

When your teeth are chipping or cracking, it’s important to know what to do and what not to do. If your teeth are chipping, it’s probably best to ignore the problem and not touch them. If your teeth are cracking, you should seek the help of a dentist right away. Don’t wait until the situation worsens to the point where it might require expensive dental treatments. You need the help of your local dentist in Waterford. If you have insurance, it might be wiser to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.

Dental House MI offers you the services of a reputable local dentist in Waterford. We can help address such problems as chipped or cracked teeth, among others. Reach out to us today so we can set your dental appointment!