3 Steps To Protect Chipped Teeth From Further Damage

Dentist Blog

Teeth are generally strong, but some kind of trauma or injury can cause them to break, especially if you bite something hard, fall or have cavities that remain untreated for extended periods. Chipped teeth may not always hurt, but they could become a lot worse and cause nerve damage if you ignore the problem. This may trigger extreme discomfort and pain which will not go away without dental treatment. Follow these steps to prevent chipped teeth from further damage and save yourself a tremendous amount of pain.

Stay Away From Tough Foods

Some types of foods are tougher to eat than others, which can make them risky to consume. For example, candies are hard and can result in a tooth chipping if you bite down on them. Similarly, meats that aren't properly cooked will irritate the chipped area and may cause it to break down further. If possible, try to stick to softer and easier to chew foods that don't stick to your teeth to reduce the possibility of the chip becoming worse. Make sure all meats are cooked well so that they are tender to chew and easy on your teeth.

Wear A Temporary Mouthguard To Protect The Chip  

While most sports players wear mouthguards to prevent a chip in the first place, you can wear one to prevent the chip from getting worse until you visit the dentist. A mouthguard not only prevents damage in the first place, but it also protects your teeth from further chips and damage if necessary. Mouthguards are easily available at most chemists, so you can purchase an inexpensive one for the time being. You can also get one custom made to your specifications if you desire.

Get The Dentist To Repair The Chip

While temporary DIY fixes work well, you will eventually need to visit the dentist to get the chip repaired in order to prevent further damage. Your dentist may recommend using a ceramic filling to make the tooth feel better. For smaller chips that don't need any major intervention, the dentist may even recommend just polishing and smoothening to reduce any discomfort you feel. Any nerve damage may require a root canal or crown to prevent further damage, which is why it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible after your tooth chips.

Chipped teeth are incredibly annoying to deal with. Follow these steps if you're looking to prevent further damage to them.

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25 April 2018

Dental Care and Seniors: Helping to Maintain Your Smile

As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.