A chipped tooth occurs when a piece of your tooth’s enamel breaks off, leaving behind a rough or uneven edge. This can range from a small, barely noticeable nick to a larger chip that exposes the sensitive dentin or even the inner pulp of the tooth.

Chipped teeth are extremely common and can happen to patients of all ages. At Westmount Dental, we frequently see patients who have chipped a tooth from everyday activities—biting into something too hard, grinding their teeth in their sleep, or simply slipping and falling

Whether the chip is minor or significant, it’s important not to ignore it. Even small chips can compromise your oral health if left untreated.

What Causes a Chipped Tooth?

There are a variety of factors that can cause a tooth to chip. Understanding the cause is key to both treating the tooth and preventing it from happening again. Here are the most common culprits:

• • Trauma or Impact to the Face

Accidents—such as falling, sports injuries, or car collisions—can result in a forceful blow to the mouth. This pressure can cause a part of the enamel or tooth structure to break away.

• • Biting Down on Hard Substances

Biting into hard foods such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, boiled sweets, or even pens can put sudden stress on your teeth, especially if the enamel is already weakened.

• • Ageing and Enamel Weakness

As we get older, our enamel naturally wears down. This makes our teeth more vulnerable to chipping even during normal chewing. Age-related wear is one of the most common reasons adults visit us with chipped teeth.

• • Tooth Decay (Cavities)

When a tooth is compromised by decay, the underlying structure becomes weaker and more brittle, increasing the likelihood of chipping.

• • Enamel Erosion from Diet or Health Conditions

Acidic diets—high in citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, or vinegar-based dressings—can slowly erode the enamel, leaving it thinner and more prone to chipping. Acid reflux and frequent vomiting (e.g. in eating disorders) can have the same effect.

• • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. This constant pressure can wear down enamel and eventually cause chips or cracks.

What Are the Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth?

Some chips are immediately obvious, while others may go unnoticed until you experience discomfort. Common symptoms include:

• A rough or sharp edge you can feel with your tongue
• Pain when biting down or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Visible break or uneven tooth shape
• Gum irritation if the chip is near the gum line

Why It’s Important to Treat a Chipped Tooth

Even small chips can lead to bigger issues if ignored. Exposed dentin can cause sensitivity, and sharp edges can irritate your tongue or inner cheek. More significantly, a chip can worsen over time, potentially resulting in a cracked tooth or dental infection if bacteria are able to enter through the break.

Why Choose Westmount Dental?

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care with long-term results. Whether you’ve just chipped a tooth or have been living with an uneven bite for years, we’re here to help restore your smile with care and expertise.

Here’s why patients trust Westmount Dental:

• Prompt appointments for dental emergencies, including chipped teeth
• Minimally invasive techniques that preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible
• Advanced digital diagnostics to identify even subtle damage
• A warm, welcoming environment where your comfort comes first

Book an Appointment for a Chipped Tooth

If you’ve chipped a tooth—whether it just happened or has been bothering you for a while—don’t delay. Let our skilled team assess the damage and provide a solution that restores both function and beauty to your smile.

Contact Westmount Dental today to schedule a consultation and get your smile back on track.