MEDICAL INSIDER
DR. RHODA ENTERO
FOR OCTOBER 8, 2023
What to Do When You Chipped a Tooth

(Part 2)

Last week, we started presenting a new topic,
entitled “What to Do When You Chipped a
Tooth”.
We said that chipping a tooth can result from
different instances especially when you use your
teeth in some activities.
We added that aside from tooth decay that may aid
in having your tooth fractured or chipped,
excessive teeth grinding also known as bruxism
can also cause a chipped or cracked tooth.
Today we start discussing the symptoms of a
chipped tooth. So, what are the Symptoms of a
Chipped Tooth?
If the chipped tooth is minor and not found in front
of your mouth, you might not know that you have it
unless your tongue feels it.

The symptoms of a chipped tooth may include:

  • A feeling of discomfort when you run your tongue
    over the chipped tooth;
  • Irritation of your gum around the chipped tooth;
  • Paid due to the biting pressure.
    What Complications may a Chipped Tooth
    bring?
    You will know that there is infection caused by
    extensive chip reaching the root of your tooth
    when:
     You feel pain while eating;
     You feel sensitivity to hot and cold food and
    drinks;
     You have fever;
     Your mouth tastes sour. This can also cause
    bad breath;
     Your glands in neck and jaw area are swollen.
    If the above complications are felt by you, it is time
    for you to contact your dentist to receive
    appropriate dental assistance. The sooner the
    treatment is provided, the better the chances that
    you will have in limiting any severe dental
    problems and lowering dental treatment costs as
    well.

What are the Risks of a Chipped Tooth?
While it is true that our teeth are unbelievably
strong, yet, there are still things that can reduce
the strength, such as the following:

  • Tooth decay and cavities;
  • Teeth grinding especially when you are asleep;
  • Eating too much acid-producing food and drinks
    like fruit juices, coffee, and any spicy food;
    Remember, acid reflux and heartburn are two (2)
    digestive conditions that can bring stomach acid up
    into your mouth. Moreover, excessive alcohol
    intake can cause vomiting which can produce
    acids.
  • Taking Sugar from sweet food and drinks that
    produce bacteria that attack the enamel. Take note
    that cccording to a study from Journal of
    Endodontics, if you are 50 years old and above,
    tooth enamel goes weak which can cause a
    chipped tooth.
    Whatever reason we have, we should take care of
    our overall health to avoid chipped tooth. (To be
    continued)