As you sit down to enjoy a warm meal or grab a quick snack while running errands, you don’t expect a dental emergency to interrupt your plans. Unfortunately, many popular foods can result in a chipped or fractured tooth. Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it isn’t any match against these 4 tooth-busting foods.
1. Popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack, but it can lead to dental emergencies. Not only can kernels get caught in your teeth, but chomping down on one can break a tooth.
If you can’t resist popcorn while watching a movie, shake the bowl or bag to allow the kernels to fall to the bottom. Only eat a couple of pieces at a time instead of popping a handful into your mouth. Chew slowly and carefully.
2. Meat Bones
Fried chicken, ribs, and other meat on a bone are great at a barbeque or as comfort food. If you have a habit of chewing the last little bits of meat off the bone, you can break a tooth. Eating too quickly can also cause you to bite down on the bone, causing your tooth to chip.
It’s best to cut the meat off the bone. Don’t chew on the bones after you’ve finished.
3. Hard Candy
Crunching hard candy can break teeth and damage restorations. Allowing candy to dissolve in your mouth isn’t any better because it bathes your teeth in sugary residue that can erode your enamel. Once your enamel is lost, it is gone for good because it won’t grow back.
It’s better to choose chocolate because it is softer. It also rinses from your teeth more easily.
4. Ice
If you enjoy crunching ice to keep your mouth cool and moist, it can cause serious dental damage. It will weaken your teeth over time, which will cause them to break. Not to mention, ice cravings can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency.
You can resist the urge by skipping ice in your beverage. You can also choose slushed ice instead of cubes.
Accidents can happen, even when watching what you eat. If you experience a chipped or broken tooth, don’t delay seeing your dentist. Even if the damage is minor or you’re not having any pain, it’s important to seek treatment right away.
Your emergency dentist will get you into the office quickly to repair your tooth, so you can get back to your plans for the day.
About Dr. Ira Newman
Dr. Newman earned his dental degree from Emory University School of Dentistry and has continued his education in many specialties, like prosthodontics, TMJ disorders, and laser dentistry. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Book an appointment through his website or call (646) 969-9086.
