Chipped teeth

• Trauma or Injury: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause part of a tooth to break off.
• Biting Hard Objects: Chewing ice, hard sweets, popcorn kernels, or pens can lead to chips, especially in already weakened teeth.
• Tooth Decay: Cavities weaken the tooth structure, making it more vulnerable to breaking.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Chronic grinding or clenching puts pressure on the teeth and can cause chipping over time.
• Poorly Aligned Bite: Uneven forces during chewing can stress certain teeth and make them prone to chipping.
• Old Restorations: Worn or failing fillings and crowns may expose the natural tooth to breakage.

You may be aware your tooth has chipped due to a rough or sharp edge you can feel with your tongue, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, pain when biting or chewing (if the chip exposes the nerve) or noticing a visible loss of tooth structure. It is important to schedule a prompt dental assessment to prevent further damage to the tooth or infection.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the chip:

• Minor Chips: Smoothed or polished, or repaired with a small amount of composite resin.
• Moderate Chips: Dental bonding, veneers, or crowns to restore appearance and function.
• Severe Chips: If the chip exposes the pulp, a root canal may be needed before restoring the tooth with a crown.