A broken tooth can be unsettling. Though durable, teeth are not impervious to damage. Understanding the various causes of tooth fractures is key to addressing them and protecting oral health.
Primary Causes of Tooth Fractures
Dental decay weakens tooth structure, making it vulnerable to fractures. Cavities, formed by acid-producing bacteria, progressively weaken enamel and dentin. This compromised material can break even under normal chewing.
Physical trauma often causes tooth fractures from accidents, sports injuries, or falls. Direct impact can exert forceful pressure, causing teeth to chip, crack, or break. Damage can range from minor chips to severe breaks exposing inner tooth layers.
Chronic teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) place immense stress on dental structures. This habitual force, particularly during sleep, can gradually wear down enamel and create hairline cracks that deepen, leading to fractures.
Large or aging dental fillings can contribute to tooth fractures. Extensive fillings weaken remaining tooth structure, making it prone to cracking under bite pressure. Old metal (amalgam) fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, creating stress that can lead to subtle fractures.
Rapid temperature changes can induce stress fractures in tooth enamel. Alternating between hot and cold foods or drinks (thermocycling) causes enamel to expand and contract. This repeated thermal shock can lead to microscopic cracks, weakening the tooth and increasing its susceptibility to breakage.
Chewing on hard foods or non-food items is a frequent cause of tooth breakage. Habits like biting ice, hard candies, unpopped popcorn kernels, or using teeth as tools (e.g., opening packages, biting nails) can exert excessive force that chips or cracks teeth.
Acid erosion weakens the protective enamel layer. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can dissolve enamel. As enamel thins, underlying dentin becomes exposed, making the tooth vulnerable to fracturing from normal chewing forces.
What to Do When a Tooth Breaks
If a tooth breaks, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove debris. A warm saltwater rinse can also soothe the area and reduce infection risk. This step aids hygiene and comfort.
If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This can reduce swelling and provide immediate pain relief by numbing the area.
For pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on gums or the tooth, as this can cause irritation. Manage discomfort while preparing to seek professional care.
If possible, collect any broken tooth fragments and bring them to the dentist. Store these pieces in a small container covered with milk, saliva, or saline solution to keep them moist.
Contact a dentist immediately, even if the break seems minor or causes no pain. A broken tooth can lead to complications like infection or increased sensitivity if left untreated. Until you can see the dentist, avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to prevent further injury or discomfort.
Professional Treatments for Broken Teeth
When a tooth breaks, a dentist assesses the damage and recommends treatment. For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding is effective. This procedure applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area, sculpted and hardened with light to restore the tooth’s natural shape and appearance.
For significant breaks, especially when a substantial portion of the tooth is lost or weakened, a dental crown is often necessary. A crown, or “cap,” is a custom-made covering that encases the damaged tooth, restoring its strength, function, and aesthetics. The tooth is prepared to support the crown, protecting the remaining structure.
If the fracture exposes or damages the tooth’s inner pulp, root canal therapy is necessary. This procedure involves removing infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing them. After a root canal, a crown is typically placed to protect the now brittle tooth.
Dental veneers are an option for aesthetic restoration, particularly for front teeth with chips or minor fractures. These thin, custom-made shells, often porcelain, are bonded to the front surface to improve appearance. Veneers can conceal imperfections and create a uniform, natural-looking smile.
In severe cases where a tooth is damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the only option. This is a last resort when the tooth cannot be saved. After extraction, options like a dental implant or bridge can replace the missing tooth and maintain oral function and aesthetics.
Strategies to Prevent Tooth Breakage
Regular dental check-ups are key to preventing tooth breakage. Dentists can identify and address issues like small cavities or hairline cracks before they escalate. Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar, reducing decay risk that weakens teeth.
Practicing good daily oral hygiene prevents tooth decay, a leading cause of weakened teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day helps remove food particles and plaque, protecting enamel from acid erosion and cavities.
Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard protects teeth from trauma during sports. For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, a nightguard provides a protective barrier, alleviating stress and preventing wear that leads to fractures.
Adjusting dietary habits can minimize tooth breakage risk. Limiting hard foods like ice, hard candies, and unpopped popcorn kernels reduces direct impact stress. Avoiding overly acidic foods and drinks helps preserve enamel, preventing erosion that makes teeth vulnerable to damage.
Avoid using teeth as tools. Habits like chewing on pens, opening packages with your mouth, or biting fingernails exert unnatural forces, leading to chips, cracks, or fractures. Breaking these habits preserves tooth integrity.