A chipped tooth is when a fragment of the tooth has become detached. A broken tooth is when the entire tooth has shattered.
There are various reasons why a tooth may chip or break. It could be because of an accident, such as being hit in the face with a ball or from grinding your teeth at night. Teeth can also be weakened and more prone to breaking if you have braces, if you grind your teeth, or if you have a history of dental decay.
The most common symptom of a chipped tooth is pain. You may also notice that the tooth feels sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. In addition, there may be sharp edges on the tooth that can cut your tongue or cheek. In some cases, you may not have any symptoms at all.
If you chip or break a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to assess the damage and may need to repair it using several treatment methods.