Chipping your tooth is more than just an inconvenience that requires a trip to the dentist. It can cause significant damage, and if it’s too close to the front of your mouth, it can also affect your confidence. Fortunately, several effective tips may help you avoid this common problem. Here are three ways to avoid a chipped tooth.

How to Avoid Chipping Your Tooth

1. Watch Tough Foods

Any unusually tough food can be hard on your teeth. That’s particularly true if your teeth are already weak due to a preexisting condition, such as gum disease. Even if they’re completely healthy, they may be vulnerable if you bite down too forcefully on something solid and impossible to chew.

If you eat meat, be mindful of bones; if you enjoy ears of corn, avoid that woody cob in the center. Even simpler foods, like popcorn kernels and hard baguettes, can pose threats if they’re too firm.

2. Wear Your Mouthguard

Food isn’t the only culprit that might send you to the dentist’s office. Athletes are also at risk, particularly those who participate in contact sports. Wear a mouthguard while you’re playing, even if it’s only for a few minutes of practice. Many dental care providers can create customized mouthguards that fit into the mouth perfectly and minimize discomfort.

3. Care for Your Mouth

Small habits, like grinding your teeth at night, can take a toll on the enamel and cause it to wear away prematurely. This leaves your teeth far more susceptible to damage, including breaking and chipping. Sometimes, it’s impossible to tell on your own if you grind your teeth, but the noise might wake up a partner.

Otherwise, your dentist may be able to detect signs, such as flat or broken teeth due to consistent pressure. In this case, you’ll need to wear a customized nightguard to protect your enamel and avoid chipping.

Do you seek a reliable family dentist in Oconto Falls, WI? Contact Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., L.L.C., the area’s leading dentist. This practice is proud to offer a variety of services, including teeth whitening, tooth extraction, veneers, and general dental care. To find out more about how Dr. Ristow and his staff can care for your teeth and gums, visit the website. Call (920) 846-3163 to schedule an appointment.