While chipped teeth are fairly common in the dental world and can be addressed with many cosmetic dentistry options, they’re largely preventable. Take these steps to avoid chipped teeth and the associated discomfort and hassle.

3 Strategies to Protect Your Teeth Against Chips

1. Don’t Chew on Ice or Objects

Crunching on the ice left in your glass or chewing on a pencil while deep in thought may seem like innocent activities, yet they’re common reasons for seeking cosmetic dentistry solutions. These hard objects can put too much force on enamel, fracturing teeth. Likewise, be cautious about particularly hard foods like popcorn kernels, nuts, and seeds.

2. Wear a Mouthguard for Sports

Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports not only minimizes your need for cosmetic dentistry, but also prevents serious dentofacial injuries. Some evidence suggests it can even reduce the risk of sports-related concussion. In team contact sports especially, wearing a mouthguard has been proven to reduce tooth chips, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are simple to use and can be purchased from most sporting goods stores, though you may want to get a custom one from a dentist if you regularly play a contact sport.

3. Never Use Your Teeth as Tools

If you’ve used your teeth to open a package, it’s time to stop this habit. Your teeth are meant for chewing food, not tearing open plastic packages or untying knots. Engaging in this habit is an easy way to damage your enamel, especially on front teeth.

If you chip your tooth, let Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI, help you find a solution. The team offers a broad range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to accommodate all needs. Plus, the dental spa makes each patient feel welcome with amenities like hand wax treatments and aromatherapy eye masks. Explore their services online, or call (808) 322-0101 to schedule an appointment.