Do your teeth keep chipping? Although your enamel is the hardest mineral in the body, it can still sustain damage if it experiences enough pressure. Biting down on something hard, or getting hit with a ball, or grinding while you sleep are easy ways that your teeth can become chipped and cracked. And if you’re not careful, these chips can lead to more severe problems and even infections, which is why it’s important to learn how to stop chipping your teeth and start protecting them instead.
Get A Mouth Guard
Clenching and grinding your teeth can eventually lead to weakened enamel and chipped teeth. So if you grind during the night, you need to help protect your enamel by getting a custom-made mouth guard to wear at night. This oral appliance will fit right over your teeth and protect them from the damage caused when sleeping.
Avoid Hard Foods
Biting down on hard candy, nuts, and frozen treats, for example, can put unnecessary pressure on your teeth. To avoid causing damage to your teeth and gums when eating, skip those brittle snacks and opt for something softer or crush it up so it’s easier on your enamel.
Stop Chewing On Hard Objects
For those who have a bad habit of chewing on their nails or other hard objects like pen caps, now’s the time to kick the habit. Putting consistent pressure on your teeth by applying force on hard objects is one of the easiest ways to break and chip your teeth.
Get Your Fillings Checked Regularly
Very large fillings have weaker walls and less surface for bonding, which can cause them to break more easily. Also, fillings can expand and contract when you eat hot and cold foods, which can cause them to wear down over time. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist regularly if you have fillings so they can make sure this is not happening to you.
Wear A Helmet And Sports Guard When Active
One of the leading causes of chipped teeth is oral trauma caused by athletic activities. Accidents that involve crashing into another player, falling head first, getting hit with the ball, or getting an elbow to the mouth can easily cause chips and damage to your teeth. So if you play any high-impact sports or recreational activities, it’s important to wear a helmet and protective oral gear like a sports guard to shield your teeth.
If you’ve chipped or fractured a tooth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could become more severely damaged and infected. At Rockcliffe Dental, we offer the services you need, including emergency dental care when you’ve damaged your teeth. Call us today or come and visit our office to learn more about how we can repair and help you safeguard your teeth.
- Learn what to do if you’ve chipped your tooth
- Learn more about emergency dental care in Ottawa
- Learn what is considered to be a dental emergency
- Learn more about general dentistry in Ottawa