Chipped teeth often occur as the result of injury, wear and tear and weakened enamel.


Even if you take great care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and regularly seeing your dentist for check-ups, it is possible that you may experience a chipped tooth. Despite your best efforts, sometimes accidents happen – and one of the most common types of dental injuries is chipping a tooth. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening. Read on to find out what causes chips, what you can do to prevent the problem, and what to do if you experience the problem…

What causes chipped teeth?

There are a few factors that can cause chips and cracks in the enamel of the teeth. Although the enamel is very hard and durable, it can unfortunately be damaged by a hard knock or fall; or excessive wear and tear.

Some of the most common causes of chipped teeth include biting down on foods or objects that are particularly hard — some examples include hard candy, whole nuts and ice; injuries caused as a result of a fall, knock or accident; participating in sports without using a mouthguard; and habitually grinding your teeth at night.

What increases your risk of a chipped tooth?

Individuals with weakened and worn-down enamel are typically at greater risk of a chip than those with strong teeth. Factors that can weaken the teeth include untreated tooth decay; large fillings; teeth grinding; a diet high in acidic and/or sugary foods and drinks; and acid reflux, which can cause stomach acid to enter the mouth and damage the enamel of the teeth. As you get older, your risk of weakened enamel generally increases and many individuals who suffer from chipped and cracked teeth are over the age of 50 years old.

How can you prevent chipped teeth?

In order to prevent chips in your teeth, it is advisable that you keep your enamel as strong as possible. You can do this by eating a diet that is balanced and nutritious, and which is low in sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

If you struggle with teeth grinding or a condition like acid reflux, which could be damaging to your teeth, be sure to raise the issue with your doctor or dentist so that it can be resolved as soon as possible and further damage can be prevented.

If you play a contact sport, it is advisable that you wear a custom-made mouthguard. This will go a long way in preventing damage to your teeth in the case of an injury.

If you notice a chip in one of your teeth, it is a good idea to see your dentist. They will be able to let you know what the best course of action is depending on the severity of the chip, as well as its location and whether or not it is causing you any discomfort.

One of the possible treatment options for a chipped tooth is a porcelain veneer — these thin shells conceal cosmetic flaws and achieve a natural-looking appearance.

How can we help?

If your smile is affected by chips or cracks, we can help. At G Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services, including dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells, which are custom-made to suit each individual tooth. They are designed to fit over the front surface of the teeth, and can conceal a broad range of cosmetic imperfections, including chips, cracks, large gaps, unevenness, and stains.

If you are interested in porcelain veneers, but are not sure if the treatment is appropriate for you, we encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation. We will examine your teeth and take some time to understand your particular needs and aesthetic goals before recommending a treatment that suits you. If dental veneers are not the best option, we will suggest an alternative approach.

If you would like to find out about the dental veneers that we provide at G Dental in Greensborough, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 03 9435 6063.