I woke up with 5 chipped teeth!!??!!

[chiefan58]

I haven't called a dentist yet, but about two weeks ago when eating some popcorn I broke off one of my upper molars. Then, this morning my mouth felt funny. I went and looked in the mirror, and five of my bottom teeth (1 k9 and the 4 others between the other k9) were all chipped. They are all very smooth, and look almost like a jewel. Looks like they were sliced perfectly. I have no history of TMJ, and don't believe I grind my teeth. My wife confirmed that she has never known me to grind them. Anyone have any ideas of what this may be?

Thanks

[Thelma-Louise]

Well it certainly sounds like a grinding or clenching issue resulting from a poor bite or malocclusion however suddenly brittle teeth - assuming there is no history or proof of grinding, clenching or malocclusion could also be a sign or symptom of some medical or nutritional issue developing or it may stem from medication currently being taken.

[chiefan58]

I recently had knee surgery,and have been on vicodin for awhile for pain. I also take a one a day vitamin, iron and calcium with D daily.

[Thelma-Louise]

I am not sure about vicodin (I personally loved it when I used it to treat tmj) but some meds due induce clenching and grinding. I was only allowed to stay on it for a couple weeks and then the dr found something less habitually addicting - said he didn't recommend anyone staying on it longer than 10-14 days - so you may want to try changing pain meds or weaing off the vicodin if you can to see if this may be the issue. In the mean time you may want to see your dentist to see what can be done to restore the cusps on the teeth - as flat teeth do not provide for a stable bite or help with masticating (chewing) food - or at the very least get fitted for a night guard to help protect the teeth from further damage.