Why Are My Teeth Breaking? Causes, Types, Treatments & Long-Term Solutions
At Whitehorse Dental in Blackburn, we understand how frustrating and limiting brittle, breaking teeth can be. Constant trips to the dentist for repairs can take a toll on your time, budget, and peace of mind. Living with the daily fear of cracking a tooth can even stop you from enjoying your favourite foods.
But you don’t have to live with this problem forever.
In this post, we explain the main causes of weak, breaking teeth, the different types of tooth fractures, and what we can do to restore your smile for the long haul.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Causes of weak teeth include poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, gum disease, tooth decay, age, and repeated fillings.
- Types of broken teeth range from harmless craze lines to deep vertical root fractures.
- Treatment options depend on severity—ranging from bonding and veneers to crowns and extractions.
- Prevention focuses on good hygiene habits, avoiding hard foods, and regular dental visits.
- Our long-term approach prioritises durable, preventive treatments designed to last 10+ years.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Weak?
Even though teeth are designed to last a lifetime, they’re not indestructible. Over time, various factors can cause them to wear down and become more susceptible to cracks and breakage.
Common Causes of Weak Teeth
🦷 Poor Oral Hygiene
Harmful bacteria from plaque and tartar can erode enamel and cause cavities. Over time, this weakens the tooth’s structure and makes it more prone to fractures.
💤 Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth—whether during the day or in your sleep—can put extreme pressure on your teeth, causing microscopic cracks that worsen over time.
Tip: Not sure if you grind your teeth? Visit our Blackburn clinic for an assessment—we know what signs to look for and how to manage them.
🦠 Gum Disease
When gum disease affects the supporting bone and tissues, your teeth can become loose, unstable, and vulnerable to breakage.
🦷 Tooth Decay
Decay eats away at the enamel and can expose the softer dentin beneath. This increases the risk of chips, cracks, and infections.
⏳ Age & Wear
With age, teeth naturally wear down. Years of chewing, exposure to acids, and previous dental treatments all contribute to brittleness.
🧪 Overuse of Fillings
When a tooth has undergone multiple large fillings, its remaining structure can become thin and fragile—like an eggshell. In many cases, a filling may no longer be the right solution.
The Different Types of Broken Teeth
Not all cracks are the same. Here are the main types of tooth fractures:
1. Craze Lines
Hairline cracks in the enamel. These are typically harmless and can be covered with cosmetic treatments if desired.
2. Fractured Cusps
A break in the biting surface of a tooth, often caused by a weak filling or trauma. Usually not painful, but may affect chewing.
3. Cracked Teeth
A deeper fracture that may extend to the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. Early diagnosis is key—treatment might involve a root canal and crown.
4. Split Teeth
A vertical crack that divides the tooth into segments. Depending on severity, part or all of the tooth may need to be removed.
5. Vertical Root Fractures
These cracks start in the root and move upward. Often painful, these may require endodontic surgery or extraction.
Treatment Options for Broken Teeth
Your treatment plan will depend on the location, severity, and type of break.
🪥 Dental Exam & X-rays
We begin with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging to determine the exact condition of your tooth.
🔧 Repair Options
- Fillings or Bonding – For minor chips and cracks
- Crowns – For teeth with large fillings or extensive fractures
- Root Canal Therapy – If the nerve is exposed or infected
- Veneers – For cosmetic improvement and minor cracks
- Extraction – Only if the tooth cannot be saved
Preventing Future Breaks
✅ Maintain Strong Oral Hygiene
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and get professional cleans every six months.
🚫 Avoid Hard Foods
Ice, hard candy, and crunchy snacks can damage already fragile teeth.
👨⚕️ Schedule Regular Check-ups
Routine visits help catch small problems before they become serious.
Our Approach: Long-Term, Preventive Dentistry
At Whitehorse Dental, we don’t believe in quick fixes. We look at your whole mouth—not just the tooth that’s giving you trouble—and offer treatments that are designed to last.
Why We Recommend Crowns for Weak Teeth
Rather than repeatedly patching a fragile tooth with fillings, we often recommend a dental crown—a protective “helmet” that covers the tooth and reinforces its strength.
Yes, crowns require a higher initial investment. But in the long run, they can last over 12 years and save you from repeated procedures and escalating costs.
Let’s Help You Smile Without Worry
You don’t have to live with breaking teeth. At Whitehorse Dental, we’ll help you restore strength, confidence, and comfort to your smile—so you can eat, laugh, and live without hesitation.
📞 Call our friendly Blackburn dental team today to book your appointment.
