There are many ways for people to chip their teeth; some are preventable, and others are not. By discussing the most common ways teeth get chipped, we’re hoping you’re armed with enough knowledge so that you don’t find yourself in this situation. Here are some of the most common ways people chip teeth and how to prevent them:
Eating hard foods – You may be surprised to learn that many people break their teeth on seemingly innocuous foods like bread or popcorn. If you’re eating extremely crusty bread or other hard foods, make sure to bite down carefully and take your time chewing. Your teeth and your stomach will thank you.
Facial injury – While tooth injury in certain accidents is out of your control, you can at least reduce the chances of it happening while performing dangerous activities. For example, a lot of preventable tooth injuries happen while playing sports. Make sure to wear a mouth guard and protective gear while playing sports – it’s not just for the pros.
Using teeth improperly – Teeth are meant for chewing and smiling. They’re not meant for cracking open nuts or trying to open bottles or packaging. Use the appropriate tools to open things and prevent a trip to the dentist.
Bruxism – Some people have a condition called bruxism that causes the jaw and teeth to grind and clench. In extreme cases the clenching can lead to chipped teeth. While you can’t control if you have it or not, you can seek treatment if you see any of the signs of bruxism in order to prevent it from leading to extensive damage.
If you do end up cracking, chipping, or otherwise damaging your teeth, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll get you fixed up.
