What Are the Causes of a Fractured Tooth?

A fractured tooth can happen to anyone and without any warning. Some of the risk factors for fractured teeth are preventable, while others cannot be controlled. An emergency dentist in Philadelphia may be able to offer care for a tooth that has been fractured. Understanding the most common causes of why teeth fracture helps you to lessen your risk of this type of dental emergency.

Accidents
Getting hit in the face or mouth is a common cause of tooth fractures. This is a common occurrence during sporting events such as boxing or baseball. Falling and automobile collisions may also cause a person to fracture a tooth.

Dental Disorders
Years of teeth grinding may weaken a tooth to the point that it fractures. Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, can create uneven pressure on teeth, especially molars. This may also cause teeth to crack. Note that a tooth may still get damaged even if it is covered by a crown. You may not even notice that a tooth that underwent root canal has fractured, so you have to regularly inspect your teeth.

Eating and Drinking
Biting into hard items or foods, including ice cubes, hard candies, crusty bread, and popcorn kernels may fracture a tooth, even the strong back molars. Chewing on pencils and other non-food items can also cause a tooth to fracture. Eating something very hot and then extremely cold could make a tooth susceptible to cracking or damage.