We’ve all felt the sinking feeling that comes when you suddenly notice a strange, rough area on the edge of a tooth and realize that one of your chompers is chipped. Having a chipped or broken tooth is a fairly common occurrence among adults … but it doesn’t have to be. Certain things are more apt to damage your teeth than others, and if you steer clear of those, you can usually avoid breaking your pearly whites. Here are 4 things that can cause you to chip a tooth:

Ice, Ice, Baby

We all know that chewing ice is bad for our teeth. That’s because it can actually chip or break them if done frequently or too much. It can be tempting to crunch a cube in the hot summer months, but if you must eat ice, we recommend letting it melt slowly in your mouth like candy instead of chewing it — if it’s a crunch you crave, opt for a healthy snack like carrot sticks or celery.

I Want Candy

Hard candies are just as bad for your teeth like ice cubes! Though your enamel is tough enough to withstand a lot of different hard substances, some things are better left unchewed … including hard candies. On top of the hardness factor, chewing a hard candy also leave sugar jammed deep into the crevices of your teeth, which can cause decay and damage.

Things that go Bump

If your tooth has already started to weaken or decay, even a slight bump, fall, or hit to your tooth could cause it to chip or break. Steer clear of this by avoiding rough, physical activity like contact sports, and be sure to visit your dentist if you are in an accident where your mouth suffers any trauma.

Back to the Grind

People who grind their teeth while they sleep are especially susceptible to chipped or broken teeth. Over time, grinding your teeth weakens and wears on your enamel, which leaves your tooth exposed and porous. This encourages cracks, chips, and breakage. You can prevent some of this damage by wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth, as well as talking to your dentist to explore other options.

Did you chip a tooth causing pain or embarrassment? Dental Specialty Associates can help! Give us a call at 480-633-5995 to schedule your first visit.

Dental Specialty Associates Dentist Gilbert Phoenix Arizona
Our highly trained teams specialize in all areas of dental care treatments, from general dentistry to cosmetic and surgical procedures.
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Dental Specialty Associates of Gilbert

2730 S Val Vista Dr
BLDG 11, # 164
Gilbert, AZ 85295

gilbert@dsaofaz.com
(480) 633-9977

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4216 N 44th St
Phoenix, AZ 85018

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(602) 795-5995

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