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What Makes Teeth More Likely to Break?

Posted on 9/1/2025 by Nancy Shiba DDS

Smiling man outdoors showing a front tooth with a large chip, emphasizing the need for dental care.

We all know how important it is to take care of our teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are all essential for maintaining good oral health. However, even with the best care, teeth can sometimes break.

So, what are some of the factors that can make teeth more susceptible to breaking? Let's take a look.

Damaged Teeth

Teeth that are already damaged are more likely to break. This can be due to several factors, such as:

•	Cavities: Cavities weaken the tooth structure, making it more likely to fracture.
•	Cracks: Cracks in the tooth can also make it more susceptible to breaking.
•	Large fillings: Large fillings can weaken the tooth and make it more likely to break.
•	Trauma: Trauma to the mouth can also damage teeth and make them more likely to break.

Oral Care Habits

The way you care for your teeth can also affect their risk of breaking. For example:

•	Brushing too hard: Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down the enamel, making them more susceptible to breaking.
•	Using a hard-bristled toothbrush: Hard-bristled toothbrushes can also wear down the enamel and increase the risk of breakage.
•	Grinding your teeth: Grinding your teeth can put a lot of stress on them, increasing the risk of breaking.
•	Not flossing: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth. If you don't floss, this can lead to tooth decay and make your teeth more likely to break.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can also make teeth more likely to break. These include:

•	Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, including the bones in your jaw. This can make teeth more likely to break.
•	Diabetes: Diabetes can affect the blood supply to the gums and teeth, making them more susceptible to infection and breakage.
•	Eating disorders: Eating disorders can also affect the health of your teeth and make them more likely to break.

Prevention Tips

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your teeth from breaking:

•	Brush and floss regularly. This will help to keep your teeth clean and free of plaque and food debris.
•	Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help to protect your enamel from wear and tear.
•	Avoid grinding your teeth. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard.
•	See your dentist regularly. Regular dental checkups can help to identify and treat problems early, before they become serious.
•	Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in calcium and other nutrients can help to keep your teeth strong.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and strong and reduce your risk of breaking them.

Conclusion

While taking proper care of your teeth is important, understanding other factors that can make them more susceptible to breaking can also help you make informed decisions about your oral health. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist.

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Dental Blog • Nancy Shiba, DDS
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914 ^ (669) 306-7669 ^ nancyshibadds.com ^ 1/22/2026 ^ Tags: dentist san jose ca ^