Teeth are covered with a layer of Enamel, the toughest substance in the human body, but they can still become damaged. Noticing a chip or a crack in a Tooth is cause for concern. Sometimes the reason for the damage is obvious, such as a dental injury caused by a fall or another form of trauma. Other times, the reason is unclear, but it can be due to enamel weakness in Oshawa.

Tooth enamel weakness can be due to poor oral hygiene, where the enamel has become eroded or where there could be an untreated cavity in a tooth. The damage might not become noticeable until your teeth start to chip or crack. Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments with us here at Margolian Dentistry are the simplest way to avoid these problems. Our dentist can soon detect any lesions and provide appropriate treatment. Between your dental visits, you should ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily, for two minutes each time, and you must floss every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your tooth enamel, and brush with good quality fluoride toothpaste. Of course, our dental team can always offer practical advice and help during your dental visits.

Other Reasons Why Teeth Begin to Chip

Teeth can begin to chip due to various reasons, including the following.

• If a tooth has a large filling, it can gradually become weaker over time, especially as it ages. Replacing fillings when recommended will help to protect your teeth against chipping.
• Tooth enamel can be damaged by exposure to acids and sugars, as bacteria in your mouth convert sugars into energy, producing acid as a byproduct. If you eat a lot of citrus fruits, drink fruit juice or diet sodas, or have a diet high in sugary foods, your risk of enamel erosion is higher. The risk increases if you snack on acidic or sugary foods between meals, exposing your teeth to acids for longer.
• Dry mouth in Whitby, a condition called xerostomia, can increase the risk of dental problems, including chipped teeth. This is because a drier mouth increases the risk of tooth decay, and as enamel dries out, it can become more brittle.
• Getting older can lead to enamel thinning, making it more susceptible to cracking and chipping after years of exposure to acidic foods and drinks, even when oral hygiene is good.
• Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is another reason teeth can begin to chip. It is a largely nocturnal habit and is often accompanied by other symptoms like waking up with an aching jaw, toothache or facial pain.

Preventing Chipped Teeth

A certain amount of wear and tear on teeth is inevitable as you get older, but maintaining good oral health will help prevent unnecessary chipping. If you suspect you could have bruxism, ask our dentists for a proper diagnosis, as it is often easy to treat and wearing a well-fitting nightguard in Ajax will protect your teeth during sleep. If you play sports, consider getting a custom-made nightguard sports mouthguard that offers optimal protection for your teeth, gums and jaws.

Restoring Chipped Teeth

If you have one or more chipped teeth, please see us for restorative treatment as soon as possible. While a chipped tooth that doesn’t feel painful might not be a dental emergency, it does need prompt treatment. Any breach of your tooth enamel will allow harmful, decay-causing bacteria to enter your tooth, causing a cavity. We can assess the tooth to see if restorative dentistry is needed. A chip can sometimes be smoothed if only the enamel is affected. Otherwise, it can be mended with a tooth-coloured composite resin filling, restoring it almost invisibly.

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