Teeth are designed to withstand significant biting forces, but they are not indestructible. If your teeth seem to keep breaking, there is often an underlying reason. Repeated chips, cracks, or fractures may indicate that your teeth have become weakened, even if each break appears to happen without warning.

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

A variety of factors can contribute to broken teeth. Some reduce the strength of the tooth itself, while others expose weakened teeth to forces that can lead to cracks or fractures. 

Tooth Decay

One of the leading causes of broken teeth is tooth decay. As bacteria dissolve healthy tooth structure, less natural enamel and dentin remain to support normal chewing forces.

Sometimes a cavity grows unnoticed until a portion of the tooth breaks away while eating. In these situations, repairing the fracture alone is not enough. The decay must also be removed before the tooth can be restored.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, places repeated pressure on the teeth, often while sleeping. This constant force can create tiny cracks that gradually become larger fractures.

Grinding commonly affects the molars and premolars because they absorb the greatest chewing forces.

Worn Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the body’s hardest substance, but it cannot regenerate once it has worn away. As enamel becomes thinner, teeth become more susceptible to chips and fractures.

Normal aging, teeth grinding, and frequent exposure to acids from citrus fruits, soft drinks, sports drinks, and other acidic foods and beverages can gradually erode the enamel, reducing its ability to withstand normal chewing forces. 

Hard Foods

Chewing on hard objects can fracture even healthy teeth.

Common examples include:

• Ice
• Hard candy
• Popcorn kernels
• Nuts with shells
• Bones

If a tooth is already weakened by decay or an older restoration, biting into hard foods may be enough to cause it to break.

Large Dental Fillings

A dental filling replaces tooth structure lost to decay. However, larger fillings require removing more tooth structure, leaving less healthy enamel and dentin to support the tooth. 

Older fillings can also wear out or separate slightly from the surrounding tooth, increasing the likelihood of fractures.

Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease damages the bone and supporting tissues around the teeth. As support decreases, affected teeth may become slightly mobile and less capable of withstanding normal biting forces, increasing the risk of fractures.

Identifying the cause is just as important as repairing the tooth. Without treating the underlying problem, additional broken teeth may develop over time.

How Broken Teeth Are Repaired

The appropriate treatment depends on the extent of the damage and whether the dental pulp has been affected.

• Dental filling: Small chips or fractures caused by minor decay can often be repaired with a dental filling that restores the tooth’s shape and function.
• Dental crown: A dental crown is commonly recommended when a large portion of the tooth has fractured, but enough healthy structure remains to save it. The crown covers the entire tooth, helping restore strength while protecting it from additional damage.
• Root canal: If a crack or fracture extends into the pulp where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are located, a root canal may be necessary to remove infected or inflamed tissue. Following root canal treatment, a dental crown is often placed to reinforce the remaining tooth structure.

When a tooth is fractured beyond repair, extraction may be the only option. Depending on your oral health and treatment goals, replacement options may include a dental implant, dental bridge, or partial denture.

Can You Prevent Broken Teeth?

Although not every fracture can be prevented, healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk.

Helpful preventive measures include:

• Practice good oral hygiene every day
• Schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings
• Treat cavities before they become larger
• Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth
• Avoid chewing ice and other hard foods
• Limit frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks
• Replace aging restorations when recommended by your dentist

Routine dental care allows weakened teeth to be identified before they develop larger cracks or fractures.

Restorative Dentistry at Argyle Family Dental

Broken and cracked teeth often require more than simply repairing the visible damage. Determining why the tooth fractured helps guide treatment that restores function while reducing the likelihood of future problems.

As a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Ava Khodakhast has three additional years of specialty training in restoring damaged teeth and managing complex restorative cases. She provides comprehensive treatment ranging from tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns to implant restorations and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Tooth Repair in Centennial, CO

To book an appointment with Dr. Khodakhast at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or visit us at  8120 S Holly St #208, Centennial, CO 80122.

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