Affordable chipped tooth treatment

Chipped teeth are a very common dental injury. A chipped tooth occurs when a piece of tooth breaks or “chips” off the tooth, causing a rough, jagged edge in the enamel of the remaining tooth. A chipped tooth may be caused by:

• Biting on something hard
• Grinding your teeth
• A blow to the head/ mouth (such as during a car crash or sports collision)
• A fall

As enamel weakens, a tooth becomes more likely to chip or break. Common causes of a weakened tooth include:

• Tooth decay
• Cavities
• Grinding teeth
• Acid reflux
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Excessive sugar intake

In some cases, the chip in the tooth is so minuscule that you don’t even notice it. In others, a chip may sever a large chunk of the tooth. A chipped tooth may cause no pain at all, or it can be extremely painful. Common symptoms of a chipped tooth include:

• Pain during chewing or biting down
• Feeling a jagged or sharp surface when you move your tongue over your teeth
• Irritation of the gum and tongue

Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t cause any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek dental attention to discuss treatment. Any breakage in the tooth’s enamel can lead to the pulp (the inner part of the tooth that contains nerve and blood cells) being exposed to bacteria in the mouth. If this inner portion of the tooth becomes infected, it can lead to more serious problems.