The day goes on with its rhythm and suddenly... It's happened! You've chipped a tooth. Don't worry - you're not the only one who has had this happen to you. It would seem that hard enamel cannot break. But it can! It happens when you least expect it. A broken tooth is no trivial matter - visit your dentist immediately your dentist. And if you want to learn more about this topic, read our article. 

Broken tooth - what are the causes?

Surely you know at least one person who has broken a tooth on something hard to eat - nuts, for example. All sports (especially contact sports), but also work (especially physical work) is not safe for our enamel either. Does this mean that you have to be indoors non-stop to protect your teeth? Absolutely not! 

First and foremost, the cause of a broken tooth will be its condition. Weakened enamel is very susceptible to all kinds of damage, but we have good news - you can strengthen it. At the very beginning, however, we encourage you to find out how not to weaken it. As you've probably guessed, the key here is diet. So what foods should you avoid? 

Read how you can strengthen your enamel at the dentist: "Enamel remineralisation, or how to strengthen tooth enamel". 

What products are better to avoid if you want strong enamel? 

Our teeth don't like alcohol because, counterintuitively, it increases the level of bacteria in our mouth. These, in turn, will lead to the appearance of plaque and this will turn into dangerous tartar. 

Remember that an essential part of proper hygiene care of the oral cavity is the regular removal of tartar. Read more in our article: "Tartar removal in the UK". 

You will certainly not be surprised to learn that sugar is not conducive to strong enamel. So it is worthwhile for you to cut down on fizzy drinks, sweets and other sweet additives. An excess of these promotes tooth decay!

Another food worth limiting, If you don't want to have to deal with a problem like a broken tooth, there are... Dried fruits. Of course, they are very healthy, and nutritionists often point to them as a substitute for sweets. However, if you feel that your enamel is weakened, it is better to give them up. They also contain a lot of sugar! 

What else is worth limiting in your diet? Citrus. These contain acids that weaken enamel. Remember! After citrus fruit, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Why? The answer is simple: this is the time needed for the acids to neutralise. Brushing the enamel "softened" by them can damage the enamel surface. 

Coffee and tea lovers will not be comforted - The theine and caffeine contained in these drinks is also not kind to the enamel. Remember, however, that limiting the intake of certain foods does not mean eliminating them completely. There is a place for everything - but it is good to keep it in moderation! 

Bruxism - the silent killer of enamel 

It is worth mentioning that tooth wear is also of great importance. If you suspect bruxism in yourself - consult your dentist. Not sure what this ailment is and what the causes might be? Read our article: "Bruxism, or teeth grinding. Where does it come from and how do you get rid of it?". 

Broken tooth - here's what you can do

The first step is to visit the dentist immediately. He or she will assess the condition of the tooth and propose appropriate treatment. 

If the tooth has been slightly fractured - part of it has been chipped - the dentist may be able to use composite. This material will not stand out against the other teeth. For more extensive damage, veneers are usually used. 

Would you like to explore this topic further? Not sure how much a veneer costs? Read our article: "Dental veneers in the UK. Everything you need to know". 

Unfortunately, a broken tooth can sometimes cause more trouble. Often, an X-ray is an essential step. This will allow an accurate assessment of the extent of the damage. Root canal treatment may also be necessary to strengthen the tooth from the inside. Here, you will also need crown for teethwhich will cover up the defect. 

Bonding is also a good method for a broken tooth. Its biggest advantage is its durability and the possibility of matching the colour to the other teeth. We have also written an article on this subject: "What is dental bonding in the UK?". A must-read!

What if the fracture is much larger? In this case, you may benefit from a prosthetic crown. It will strengthen and protect the tooth and, of course, look good. However, leave the decision on the treatment to be undertaken to your dentist - he or she will know what is best for you! 

You are concerned that tooth reconstruction in the UK an expensive undertaking? We have a way! 

Treatment by instalments

At our practice, you can spread the cost of treatment in excess of £350 over as many as 12, interest-free instalments. Our scheme is fully secure and regulated by the government's financial regulator (FCA number: 619628). Read our article to find out more: "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase".