The teeth are known to be durable and can last a lifetime. However, there are certain cases where a tooth may break or chipped due to various factors. The enamel or the outer covering of the teeth is one of the strongest substances in the body. But, despite its great feature, it does have its limits. A forceful blow, falling or biting down on something hard, can cause the teeth to chip or break, resulting in a jagged tooth surface that can be sharp, tender, and disfiguring.

Causes of chipped teeth

Chipping or breaking of the teeth can be a cause of several reasons. Common causes may include:

• Biting down on something hard such as hard candy, ice, and more.
• Damage from playing vigorous activities or sports
• Frequent grinding of the teeth or bruxism
• Trauma to the face or mouth due to an accident or fall
• Moderate pressure to teeth with untreated cavities
• Tongue or lip piercing as it can bump against the teeth that will eventually tear them down
• Using the teeth as tools such for opening a can, biting open a bag, or pulling things apart
• Poor nutrition, as it can make the teeth weaker
• Crooked bite, as some teeth take the brunt of each bite instead of being properly distributed across all of the teeth

Symptoms of a chipped tooth

A chipped tooth is sometimes difficult to determine, especially when the chip is minor and is not found at the front of the mouth. However, a chipped tooth can still be identified when you have these following symptoms:

• Feeling a sharp edge on the teeth’s surface whenever the tongue runs over the teeth
• Irritation of the gum around the chipped tooth
• Pain from pressure on the tooth when biting, which can sometimes be intense when the chip is near to or exposes the nerves of the tooth
• Irritation of the tongue from catching it on the tooth’s uneven or rough edge

Complications associated with an untreated chipped tooth

If the chipped tooth is not treated as soon as possible, it can lead to several complications or even much worse than the usual pain a person tooth may feel. Some complications of an untreated chipped tooth may include:

• Extreme pain usually felt when eating or drinking
• Fever
• Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw

For inquiries about chipped or broken teeth, book an appointment with us at Windy Hill Dental Associates and avail of our Restorative Dentistry services in Marietta, GA. You can also visit us at 2501 Windy Hill Rd., #330, Marietta, GA 30067.