Teeth are subjected to lots of wear and tear due to your lifestyle and diet. Because of this, they may become cracked or chipped over time. Maintaining positive dental care can help you manage and avoid breaks or cracks. Below are a few causes of chipped teeth to keep in mind to protect your smile. 

What Causes Chipped Teeth? 

1. Injury 

An injury from a blow to the jaw can easily chip a tooth. This is common in sports, where a ball or kick may hit the face. But it can also happen after a car accident or after falling down. Mouthguards and helmets can protect you during sports, and staying safe and being aware of your surroundings can keep you from a damaging fall or accident. 

2. Chewing or Grinding 

While teeth are meant to go through some tough experiences, certain objects or types of food may cause them to break or crack. Hard food, like solid candies, nuts, and ice cubes, may chip teeth. Heavy grinding may also cause them to crack by wearing them down over time. 

3. Cavities & Poor Hygiene 

Cavities weaken teeth over time, and with less enamel, your teeth may not hold up against pressure like they used to. The best way to prevent cracking and chipping is to practice positive dental care to protect against cavities. Brush your teeth in the morning and night, or after every meal. You can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash to rid of additional bacteria. If cavities begin to form, you should consult a dentist about fillings or crowns. 

4. Sudden & Extreme Temperature Changes 

A sudden shift from freezing to hot, such as drinking coffee after eating ice cream, can create cracks. This is because of enamel and dentin, which is the interior material of teeth, expanding and compressing differently when exposed to extreme temperatures. These conflicting changes cause cracks in the teeth. If you experience this, contact your dentist right away. 

Cracked and chipped teeth are a common dental problem, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. If you have damaged or decayed teeth, make an appointment with the dental team at Enterprise Dental Associates. For over 37 years, they’ve provided the Enterprise, AL, area with top-notch dental care, from crowns and dentures to teeth whitening. To make an appointment, call (334) 347-9564 or visit their website.