Have you ever bitten into something and felt a sudden crack in your tooth? You're not alone. At Jacksonville Gentle Dentistry, we see patients all the time dealing with broken or chipped teeth—and we know how painful and stressful it can be.
But the good news? At Jacksonville Gentle Dentistry, we’re here to help protect and restore your smile with expert, compassionate care.
From little chips to serious breaks, we’ve got your whole family covered.
Let’s break down (no pun intended!) why teeth break, what you can do to prevent it, and how we can help if it happens to you.
Common Reasons Teeth Break
1. Biting Hard Objects
Ice, popcorn kernels, pens—our teeth aren’t designed for these. Biting down on hard foods or non-food items can crack or chip your teeth without warning.
2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Do you clench or grind your teeth, especially while sleeping? Over time, this habit wears down the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to breaks. We see this a lot in our Jacksonville patients who deal with stress or sleep issues.
3. Cavities & Decay
When tooth enamel weakens due to decay, the structure becomes brittle and can fracture more easily. Often, people don’t even realize a tooth is decayed until it breaks.
4. Large Fillings
While fillings restore teeth, large or old ones can compromise the tooth’s strength, leading to potential fractures—especially if not checked regularly.
5. Trauma or Injury
Whether it’s a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident, any kind of trauma to the mouth can cause teeth to chip or break. (Tip: Always wear a mouthguard during sports!)
6. Age & Wear
As we age, our teeth naturally experience wear and tear. Combine this with years of chewing, possible dental work, and lifestyle habits, and it’s no surprise that older teeth are more likely to break.
How to Prevent Broken Teeth
✅ Watch What You Bite – Avoid hard candies, chewing ice, and opening packages with your teeth.
Manage Grinding – Talk to us about a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Stay on Top of Oral Hygiene – Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings help prevent decay and detect issues early.
⚽ Protect During Activities – Use a mouthguard for sports or any high-impact activities.
Visit Us Regularly – Routine checkups allow us to catch small cracks or weak spots before they become a big problem.
Got a Broken Tooth in Jacksonville?
Don’t panic—we’re here to help! Whether it’s a small chip or a serious fracture, Jacksonville Gentle Dentistry offers gentle, expert care to restore your smile comfortably and quickly. From bonding and crowns to root canals or extractions when needed, we’ll guide you through every step with compassion and skill.
Call or text (904) 731-1919 or book onlineto schedule an appointment. And remember: a strong, healthy smile starts with prevention!