What You Need to Know About Chipped & Cracked Teeth

A cracked or chipped tooth is quite common, particularly as you get a little older. Generally speaking, a small chip or crack isn’t a dental emergency. You can usually have it checked out at your next exam. But if it’s causing discomfort or you’d just like a little extra peace of mind, schedule a quick visit with your dentist to have it looked at. 

3 things you need to know about chipped and cracked teeth

1. Most small chips and cracks are a cosmetic issue.
2. Larger chips and cracks may contribute to decay and/or bigger chips/cracks/fractures down the road.
3. The underlying cause of chipped and cracked teeth may shed light on other health problems like migraine headaches.

Accidental Damage

Far and away, the leading cause of chipped tooth and cracked teeth is accidental damage like:

• Getting hit with a ball while playing sports
• Biting down on a fork or a hard piece of food
• Banging your face on the steering wheel during a car accident 

Depending on the size of the chip/crack, it might be anything from a minor annoyance to something that could contribute to the eventual loss of your tooth.

If you or a member of your family have a history of eating disorders like bulimia, you need to be on the lookout for the possibility of cracked and worn teeth caused by harsh stomach acids. Our dentists can help repair worn and damaged teeth using cosmetic bonding, veneers, or other cosmetic/restorative treatment options.

Talk to your dentist! We know how important it is for you to be confident about how you look and feel.

The dentists and staff at Greater Long Island Dental in Massapequa are known for our smiling faces, gentle touch, and commitment to exceeding our patients’ expectations.

We’ll help you feel confident about your smile and your health. Our promise to every patient is the same: You’ll always be treated with the utmost care, respect, and compassion.