3 Foods That Can Chip Your Teeth

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, allowing you to bite and chew a variety of foods to maintain a nutritious diet. Although your teeth are strong, they aren’t indestructible. Let’s face it, accidents happen. Eating a handful of almonds or crunching your favorite piece of hard candy can easily lead to a chipped tooth. Unfortunately, your enamel can’t regenerate, so you’ll need to see an emergency dentist in Duncanville. You can prevent an unplanned trip to your dentist by safeguarding your smile from chipped or cracked teeth. Here are a few common foods you’ll want to avoid, so you don’t end up in a dental chair.

1. Popcorn

Who doesn’t love snacking on popcorn while watching a movie? Although it’s a go-to treat for movie buffs and Netflix binge-watchers, you might unknowingly place your smile at risk of damage. Popcorn is soft and fluffy, but occasionally you’ll get an unpopped kernel in your mouth. Unexpectedly biting on one can be too much for your tooth. You don’t need to skip your favorite movie snack. Instead, only grab a few pieces of popcorn at a time to lessen the likeliness of a kernel ending up in your mouth.

2. Nuts

Nuts are an excellent source of protein that can help satisfy your hunger until your next meal. Although they are great for your diet, nuts that have shells can be bad news for your smile if you have a habit of using your teeth to crack them open. Peanuts, pistachios, and sunflower seeds can wear down the edges of your teeth over time. Not to mention, a sliver of the shell can get stuck between your teeth or in your gum tissue. It’s best to choose nuts that are removed from their shells to avoid using your teeth as tools.

3. Bones

Whether you’re eating some hot wings while watching a football game or savoring tasty ribs at a barbeque, don’t carelessly bite into the meat. Bone-in meats can result in a chipped or cracked tooth. It’s best to cut your meat off the bone, but if you don’t have the patience for a knife and fork, resist the urge to chew on the bone.

Don’t Wait to See Your Dentist

Even with the right precautions, a dental emergency can still occur. Don’t wait to contact your dentist, or you might lose your tooth. Even if the damage isn’t causing any pain or only looks like an aesthetic issue, you still need an emergency dentist because your tooth will be vulnerable. Your dentist will save your tooth, so you can enjoy your favorite foods for a balanced diet.

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Bear Creek Family Dentistry combines the training and qualifications of a diverse dental team to deliver superior care. With general dentists, pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and more, we can treat the most complex oral health issues, including dental emergencies. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, contact our office right away.