Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance that your body can make! However, that doesn’t mean that it cannot sustain some damage if you aren’t careful. You might end up with a chip or crack, depending on what foods you find yourself digging into. Your emergency dentist is here to help you during these situations, but here are some items that you should keep an eye out for.
1.) Hard Candies
There is no shame in enjoying a sweet treat every so often. It can be the boost you need after a long day, but you should let them dissolve in your mouth rather than biting into them. Chewing them can cause a chip or crack. Additionally, they are full of sugar, which can increase your risk of cavities. Be sure to have them in moderation and keep up with your dental hygiene routine!
2.) Ice Cubes
It can be tempting to gnaw on ice after you finish a beverage, but it can be harmful to your smile. These are likely to leave hairline cracks that can get bigger over time. Similar to candy, it’s best to let them melt without biting down on them. You can still get that cooling effect that you may enjoy.
3.) Acidic Items
As some quick clarification, citrus foods (such as lemons, pickles, and coffee) can be tasty and safe to chew. However, they can weaken your enamel by dissolving it slightly. This increased your risk of damage, so it’s more of an indirect causation.
Some of these items may be a personal favorite of yours, so you don’t need to ban them from your diet! Instead, drink some water after enjoying them or brush your teeth after 30 minutes of having them.
4.) Popcorn Kernels
When you put on a movie, you might make yourself some popcorn to get the full experience. As long as they are fully popped, then they aren’t a threat to your grin. That being said, a stray kernel can cause a chip or crack. Try your best to avoid accidentally biting down into one by shaking your bowl or bag. It’ll bring them down to the bottom!
5.) Foods with a Hard Center
This category is a bit broader because there are many items out there! Corn of the cob, fruits and vegetables with pits, and bone-in meats can be risky for your teeth. You may accidentally bite into the hard parts of them while digging in, leading to a dental emergency. You can either cut out the pieces that are safe to eat or just chew a bit slower. That way, you can protect your smile and avoid any problems!
About the Practice
At Dolan Dental Group, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Brendan Dolan and Dr. Riley Gionfriddo. While we stay proactive about oral health issues, we understand you may find yourself needing urgent dental care. Whether that’s with a chipped tooth or anything else, we have same-day appointments so you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible. If you want to learn how you can better protect your smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (860) 529-2000.