A broken or fractured tooth refers to any damage to the tooth structure, from a minor chip in the outer enamel to a severe crack extending deep into the tooth. This common dental issue impacts the tooth’s appearance, function, and overall health. Numerous factors can contribute to a tooth breaking, from sudden impacts to gradual weakening over time.
Traumatic Injuries and Damaging Habits
Sudden impacts to the mouth are a common cause of tooth breakage. Direct trauma from incidents such as falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or physical altercations can lead to teeth chipping, cracking, or fracturing. The severity of the damage often depends on the force and direction of the impact, potentially affecting the enamel, dentin, or even the tooth’s root.
Biting down on unexpectedly hard objects often causes tooth fractures. Foods like unpopped popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candies can exert excessive force on teeth, causing them to chip or crack. Similarly, habits such as chewing on pens, fingernails, or using teeth to open packages introduce forces teeth are not designed to withstand, causing damage.
Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, puts repetitive pressure on teeth. This unconscious habit, often occurring during sleep or stressful periods, can lead to the gradual wear of tooth enamel and microscopic cracks. Over time, these small cracks can deepen, making teeth more susceptible to fractures and breakage, sometimes splitting the tooth.
Dental Decay and Restorations
Untreated tooth decay, or cavities, weakens the tooth structure. As bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth’s hard outer layers (enamel and dentin), the area becomes brittle and less able to withstand chewing forces. This weakening makes the tooth vulnerable to breaking, even from routine biting.
Large or older dental fillings, particularly amalgam (silver) fillings, can compromise tooth integrity. These fillings do not bond to the tooth structure and can act like a wedge, exerting outward pressure on tooth walls with every bite. Over time, the expansion and contraction of these materials due to temperature changes, combined with reduced natural tooth material, can lead to cracks and fractures.
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can become more susceptible to fracture. The procedure involves removing the inner pulp tissue, leading to loss of moisture and nutrients. This makes the tooth more brittle over time. Without a protective restoration like a crown, the tooth is vulnerable to breakage from biting and chewing forces.
Erosion, Wear, and Age-Related Brittleness
Acid erosion occurs when the enamel is dissolved by acids. This can result from consuming acidic foods and drinks like sodas, citrus fruits, or fruit juices, or from medical conditions such as acid reflux (GERD). As the enamel thins and softens, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, making the tooth more vulnerable to chips and cracks.
Everyday chewing and biting over many years contributes to wear and tear on teeth. This process, known as attrition, involves the gradual loss of tooth enamel and structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact. While some wear is considered normal, excessive or accelerated wear can thin the enamel, increasing the risk of sensitivity, decay, and eventual breakage.
As individuals age, teeth become more brittle and less resilient. This is due to changes in their composition, including increased mineral content and decreased organic material. This brittleness makes older teeth more prone to fractures, even from forces that might not affect younger, more resilient teeth.