Nothing pairs better with your favorite movie than a big bowl of buttery popcorn. But unfortunately, those little kernels don’t pair very well with your teeth and can actually pose a serious threat to your pearly whites! However, popcorn isn’t the only snack you need to watch out for; there are many common foods out there that are hazardous for your smile and can chip or crack your teeth if you aren’t careful. Here’s a quick look at some of these foods, along with what you should do if you find yourself with a chipped tooth.
Foods That Can Easily Chip Your Teeth
Everybody loves to eat, but nobody wants to end up with a chipped or fractured tooth from simply chowing down on some of their favorite foods. That said, here are some foods that you should be mindful of, as they might potentially harm your pearly whites:
- Popcorn (be mindful of the un-popped kernels)
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candies such as lollipops and jawbreakers
- Nuts with hard outer shells (peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
- Chicken wings, ribs, fish, etc. (the bones from certain meats pose a threat)
- Pits from cherries, peaches, olives, etc.
- Hard bread, pretzels, granola bars, etc.
- Ice cubes
Even though it’s difficult to avoid every item on this list, showing a little extra care can go a long way. Always be sure to inspect something before you bite into it and ensure that you’re chewing your food slowly to avoid any sudden injuries (this also helps with the digestive process).
What Should I Do If I Chip a Tooth?
A chipped tooth is no reason to panic; though it might seem frightening, it’s actually a common dental emergency that’s easily treatable with the help of your emergency dentist. If the injury occurred while you were eating, be sure to immediately stop eating and call your dentist’s office to schedule an appointment; if you prolong treatment, you’ll increase the risk of additional damage or complications. To alleviate minor discomfort while you’re waiting for your appointment, you can turn to over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and warm water rinses.
Your dentist will inquire how the tooth was fractured, so be sure to recount exactly what happened as this will help them determine the best course of action. If the injury extends below the gumline, prompt treatment is necessary; however, most chips and cracks aren’t considered urgent. Depending on the extent of the damage, chipped and fractured teeth can often be treated using fillings, crowns, dental bonding, veneers, and other means.
You can’t anticipate a dental emergency like a chipped tooth; however, you can take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place by avoiding some of these potentially harmful foods!
About the Practice
The team at Jupiter Family Dental has proudly served patients and families in the Richardson, TX area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Chung Chien Hsia. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one has suffered a chipped tooth, don’t hesitate to contact the practice for assistance: (214) 432-1133.
