While it’s true that dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, kids still need to be careful when using their teeth. With just the right amount of force, a child’s pearly whites can turn into a chipped grin. That’s why Alaska Dentistry for Kids encourages parents everywhere to assess their child’s oral health habits and look for opportunities to prevent chipped teeth. To help protect your little one’s smile, this Anchorage children’s dentist highlights a few of the most common reasons behind this dental emergency.

4 Common Reasons Kids Chip Their Teeth   

1. Bruxism

Bruxism—also known as teeth grinding—causes gradual damage as enamel wears down over time. This dental condition typically occurs at night when a child is sleeping but can also happen periodically during the day—especially in moments of stress. If your little one has bruxism, ask a children’s dentist about a custom mouthguard that can reduce the impact of grinding.

2. Contact Sports

Accidents during contact-heavy sports—such as football or hockey—can cause a young athlete to chip or lose teeth. In addition to wearing a helmet, kids should also wear a custom sports mouthguard to protect their smiles from a dental emergency.

3. Hard Object

Despite being able to exert nearly 200 pounds of pressure in a single bite, teeth can still chip when they chomp into hard objects. For example, kids often crack their teeth when they accidentally bite on a bone, silverware, or popcorn seed. Incessantly chewing on hard items—such as ice or lollipops—may also cause chips.

4. Tooth Decay

Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can grow inside of the mouth and cause cavities. As cavities grow more pronounced, teeth grow weaker and become more susceptible to cracking. If your little one develops a cavity, a children’s dentist can provide a filling to help keep the tooth structurally sound.

Although there are many ways you can prevent chipped teeth, accidents still happen. Fortunately, when these moments occur, parents can turn to the trusted team at Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Specializing in pediatric dental care, this clinic is known for protecting and restoring smiles in a gentle, fun, and reliable manner. Visit this children’s dentist online to learn more about their services, or call (907) 274-2525 today to schedule an appointment.