Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it isn’t any match for certain tooth-busting foods. Whether you enjoy crunching ice or pistachios, you can be at risk of a dental emergency if you aren’t careful. Although your enamel is strong, it can’t regenerate or grow back. You can safeguard your pearly whites and avoid a dental emergency by moderating the most common foods known to chip teeth.
Popular Foods That Can Chip Teeth
Accidents can happen with no warning. The last thing you expect is your favorite snack causing a dental emergency. Although you can’t always stop accidents from happening, you can avoid an unplanned trip to your dentist by steering clear of these tooth-busting foods:
- Popcorn: Popcorn is a perfect snack when enjoying a movie or binge-watching your favorite Netflix show. Although it’s a healthy snack, unpopped kernels can be difficult to spot when popping a handful of popcorn into your mouth. It’s best to shake the bag or bowl to allow the kernels to fall to the bottom. Only put a couple of pieces in your mouth at a time and chew carefully.
- Nuts: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pistachios are nutritious snacks, but they can cause tooth problems. If you use your teeth to crack open their shells, a dental emergency will be right around the corner. It is better to choose shelled nuts to lessen your risk.
- Ice: If you have a habit of crunching ice to cool off or crave the cold sensation, it can lead to hairline fractures. Crunching small ice cubes isn’t any safer. Drinking from a cup with a lid can help you resist the urge to crunch.
- Jerky: Jerky is a great source of protein and is a handy snack to have around. However, it requires a lot of tugging and chewing, which can weaken your teeth over time.
A Chipped Tooth is a Dental Emergency
If you experience a chipped tooth, don’t panic! Contact your emergency dentist right away. Your tooth will be vulnerable to sensitivity, bacteria, and additional damage with no treatment. Your tooth won’t heal or regenerate.
It’s best to get to your dentist ASAP, even if you’re not having any pain or the break is superficial. Your emergency dentist will examine your mouth to create a personalized treatment plan, like dental bonding or a porcelain veneer.
About Dr. Joshua Kuykendall
Dr. Kuykendall earned his dental degree at The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and has continued his education regularly in various specialties, like dental implants, endodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. If you need a dentist in a hurry, book an appointment through his website or call (832) 957-7714.