You brush and floss every single day. You visit your dentist twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning. You eat sugary sweets in moderation. But that’s not all that you need to do if you want to avoid a dental emergency. Believe it or not, some of your favorite foods can end up breaking your tooth enamel and sending you straight to your emergency dentist in Covina, CA. If you want to keep your natural smile intact, watch out for these six foods that can chip teeth.
1. Nuts
Even though nuts contain valuable nutrients, their hard shells can spell disaster for your smile. Habitually cracking open the shells with your pearly whites will cause the edges of your teeth to gradually become thin and worn-down – and more prone to breaking or chipping. If you’d rather not take the time to shell nuts before eating them, buy shelled nuts instead.
2. Hard Candy
Jawbreakers, lollipops, and other hard candies are meant to be savored, not bitten into before they finish dissolving. They also bathe your mouth in sugar for extended periods of time, increasing your risk for cavities. In terms of your oral health, it’s best to limit or avoid hard candies altogether.
3. Ice
While not technically a food, eating ice can all too easily cause microscopic hairline fractures in your enamel. Over time, these cracks can widen, making your teeth increasingly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Remember, ice is made for cooling your drinks, not for chewing. If you find it hard to resist the temptation to eat ice, try ordering your beverages without ice instead.
4. Popcorn
Whenever you buy or make popcorn, there’s always the chance of some kernels remaining unpopped. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to notice until you accidentally bite down on one and chip your tooth. To reduce this risk, shake your bowl of popcorn beforehand to help the kernels settle at the bottom. Also, try to only grab a couple of pieces of popcorn at a time.
5. Jerky
Like nuts, jerky is a quick, tasty way to get protein. However, the force it takes to bite into and chew jerky can wear down tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to breakage. When eating jerky, chew slowly and carefully – it’ll protect your teeth and give you more time to savor the flavor!
6. Hard Breads
Many classic side dishes and snacks include hard breads like bagels, toast, and pretzels. As delicious as they are, their hardness can potentially fracture a tooth. Dipping these breads into butter or olive oil can soften them to the point where they’re not as likely to cause damage.
Maintaining a healthy smile is as much about the foods you eat as it is about brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. You can still enjoy the foods listed above; just be careful to not let them harm your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Danny Tran is a family and emergency dentist in Covina, CA who welcomes patients with emergencies, including chipped teeth. His team provides first-aid tips over the phone and can schedule an urgent appointment as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact Covina Family Dental at 626-331-0688 for the prompt care your smile needs.