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The winter months can be surprisingly hard on your teeth.
Sudden temperature changes—like stepping outside into the cold and then sipping a hot drink—can cause enamel to expand and contract, which may weaken the tooth surface over time, causing chips and cracks. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, the added stress of the busy holiday season can also increase the risk of small cracks developing.
What to do
To protect your smile, try to avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, nutshells, or very sticky candies, and be gentle with foods straight from the freezer or fridge. Staying well-hydrated helps support enamel and reduces dryness that can make teeth more prone to chipping or cracking.
If you think you may have chipped or cracked a tooth, watch for symptoms such as sudden sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, or noticing a rough or uneven edge with your tongue. If this happens, avoid chewing on that side, rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean, and contact us right away.
Treatment options
Treatment will depend on the size and location of the chip or crack—small chips can often be smoothed or repaired with bonding, while deeper cracks may require a crown to protect the tooth (both can be done at our office in a single appointment). In more severe situations, root canal treatment may be recommended to relieve pain and prevent infection.
We can help!
If you experience any of these symptoms, please reach out so we can assess and determine the best next steps to help you feel comfortable again
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