Don’t hide from a problem tooth! Fix that chip to get back in control
Is dental damage inevitable? It feels like sooner or later, we all end up rushing to the phone to call our dentist and see if they can fit us in ASAP. But while dental emergencies may be common, they don’t have to happen to you. Taking some precautions during your daily life and high-risk activities will prevent you from seeking out Burr Ridge chipped tooth treatment. Read up on some of our tips below.
That said, if you’ve chipped a tooth, help is at hand. Burr Ridge is a short drive from our office, and we’ll do everything possible to see you right away. Pull up driving directions before you leave so that there’s at least a little less stress in your day! As always, if you are experiencing a dental emergency, seek help right away.
Common Causes of Chipped Teeth and other Dental Emergencies
- Using teeth as tools – We know that you’ve been hearing this from your dentist since childhood, but it bears repeating. Only use your teeth for eating! Too many patients bite down on a bottle cap or a stubborn package and discover crumbling enamel or dental work once they’ve got it open. Even seemingly soft impacts can chip teeth, if they occur at a certain angle. Enamel is brittle, and small portions can break off at unexpected moments (even when you feel you’re being careful).
- Especially hard foods – Biting into a rib? Make sure you’re not connecting enamel with bone. Front teeth are at an especially high risk of chipping, because they extend past the bottom teeth. But that doesn’t mean back teeth are safe from tough substances, especially those with fillings or other dental work. Those restorations can be easier to break than natural enamel. Be mindful while eating, and you’ll keep your teeth intact.
- Impact during sports – High-impact sports are dangerous to your teeth, jaw, and even your brain (should concussion strike). Be sure to wear a custom mouth guard to protect your pearly whites. While boil and bite guards are cheaper and available in drugstores, they’re not nearly as effective at preventing damage (or as comfortable).
- Advanced dental problems – If you have a cavity that’s progressed, it may have reached your pulp. This can cause severe sensitivity and pain. Periodontal disease may also cause discomfort. If a dental problem has become serious and has you in pain, seek help right away before it can grow any worse. And be sure to schedule twice-yearly dental exams to keep these issues from cropping up in the first place.
Why Should I Fix My Tooth Today?
Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, the break could run deeper than you think. If the tooth is sensitive to hot and cold or to air, inner layers may be exposed. That hidden crack could lead to serious damage, so your tooth needs to be restored before additional damage takes hold. The root could also need treatment. Don’t put your health at risk – just reach out to your dentist.