Possible causes
Common possible causes.
Biting a hard object or food
A fall, sports injury or other trauma
A tooth weakened by decay or a large restoration
Grinding or clenching forces
Cracks that progress over time
Warning signs
Signs worth paying attention to.
Significant pain or sensitivity
A sharp edge cutting the tongue or cheek
A visibly deep fracture
Bleeding from the tooth or surrounding gum after trauma
A loose or displaced tooth
When to seek care
When to see a dentist.
Arrange an assessment even when a break is not painful, because deeper damage may not be obvious.
Seek urgent dental care after significant trauma, severe pain, bleeding or displacement of a tooth.
Why assessment matters
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
The most appropriate next step depends on the cause of the symptom, your oral health and what is found during assessment.
The information on this page can help you understand the concern, but it should not be used to choose treatment without professional assessment.
Explore further
Related dental treatments
These links are provided for further reading. A related treatment is not necessarily suitable for every person experiencing this symptom.