Etiology of cracked teeth: a review and proposal

Factors in the etiology of the cracked or fractured tooth can be generally divided into three categories: tooth strength, magnitude of applied force, and control of applied force. Dental caries, restorations and endodontic procedures appear to play a major part in the etiology of most cracked or fractured teeth though sound teeth frequently are cracked or fractured. Tentative evidence indicates that females, who can apply less force, may crack more teeth than do males. Control of occlusal forces applied may be an overlooked factor. Drugs affecting proprioception and other sensory receptors modulating force and reflex should be evaluated as possible contributors to the etiology of cracked or fractured teeth.