The risks of not fixing a chipped or cracked tooth

Whether it was from chewing your pen at work, enjoying a lolly at a birthday party or simply something you noticed when you woke up; if you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth, don’t panic.

The best first step you can take is to visit your dentist. Once a tooth has been chipped or cracked, it loses its strength which affects the integrity of the tooth, making it weak and prone to further damage. Many complications of having a damaged tooth can be avoided by early diagnosis and the correct treatment.

Biting down on hard food, tooth grinding and general wear and tear over the years can cause tooth cracks or chips to happen. Sometimes dental restoration (for example, fillings) are so large they weaken the tooth, making them more prone to cracking. Accidents can also cause damage, as well as chewing ice or drinking cold water after eating something hot.

Cracks can be small or extend into the gum line. Sometimes cracks separate or split the tooth into segments. Other cracks start within the tooth root and extend into the crown of the tooth or start with a vertical crack which travels down towards the gum.

If a crack or chip appears in one of your front teeth, it can be quite obvious when you smile or laugh. A chip or crack in one of your back teeth might not be as obvious but can still cause irritation and pain when you eat.

Related: What to expect from my first dentist appointment

1. Discomfort or pain when eating and drinking

2. Infection of the root of the tooth and an abscess forming

3. Complete loss of the tooth and potential for having the tooth removed

4. Damage to the gums and cheeks, causing discomfort or pain

5. Bad breath and self-consciousness

Small hairline cracks may not need any treatment other than a ‘wait and watch’ plan. Other treatments include:

Bonding

A small chip, where the tooth enamel has come off, may be fixed with a resin-based bonding material.

A root canal treatment

A large chip or crack may need a root canal treatment and a veneer or crown.

Tooth removal

If there is significant damage to the tooth roots from a crack, removing the tooth may be the only solution.

Whole, intact teeth are less likely to crack, so do all you can to preserve the strength of your teeth.

Here are a few tips to keep your teeth in tip-top shape:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste

• Floss at least once every day

• Visit your dentist every six months for preventative oral care

• Always wear a mouthguard when playing sport

• Speak with your dentist about the need for a mouthguard if you’re grinding your teeth

Above all else, remember that early treatment for chips and cracks can mean the difference between keeping a tooth or having it removed.

Related: 7 ways to overcome a fear of the dentist

Eligible members can visit a No Gap dental practitioners for 100% back on preventative dental check-ups.^ Visit the No Gap Dental page for more information and terms and conditions.

Alternatively, search for a dentist near you through nib's First Choice Network. This is a community of health providers who’ve agreed to provide nib members with quality healthcare. We recommend you and your family visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and more regularly if you have a concern.

At nib, we offer a range of Extras covers that include benefits for dental care. If you’re already an nib member, you can check your current policy using member account. Alternatively, you can get a quote online in just minutes.

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.

^Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The dental check-up covers an examination or consultation (011 to 015), diagnostics (022, 037) scale and clean (114, 115) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. The No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a No Gap First Choice network provider agreement with nib.