Teeth are designed to withstand the wear and tear of the constant tasks of chewing, grinding, and biting foods. But even though they are durable, high pressures exerted on your teeth by certain items could cause tooth breakage.
A chip, crack, or fracture in a tooth will disrupt the look of your smile. But it also creates a vulnerable spot in your dental structure that puts you in danger of further dental issues, including tooth decay and infections.
Prevent this problem by paying attention to the items you put in your mouth, especially your diet. Awareness of the foods that could harm your teeth in this way can help you preserve your dental structure. Read on to find three types of foods that pose a risk of breaking your teeth if you are not careful when eating them.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a fun snack that many people enjoy when watching a movie either at home or at a theater. When heated in oil, the hard corn kernels pop to reveal the beloved light, fluffy food. But this soft snack can hide unpopped kernels at the bottom of your bowl.
If you bite into one of these hard kernels, you have a high likelihood of breaking one or more teeth. This dental injury does not always hurt, but dentists still consider it a dental emergency.
A crack or chip in a tooth can deepen and worsen, so you should seek urgent treatment from your dentist for tooth breakage. Do not hesitate to call your dentist about this problem.
Bagels
A bagel can make a crucial part of an ideal sandwich that suits any time of day. But a lot of people do not realize that bagels are dense, and these and other hard breads could threaten to break your teeth if you do not pay attention while eating them.
Take precautions when biting into a bagel so that you do not injure your smile. If you do suffer tooth breakage, your dentist can restore many injuries with a dental crown. This ceramic cap will cover the tooth, sealing into place to reshape its structure and prevent further dental harm.
You should note that a crown can amend a broken tooth, but this cap is not completely indestructible. Continue paying attention to your diet and the way you eat to avoid damaging the crown or another tooth.
Hard Candy
Hard candy refers to a sweet treat made from boiled sugar that solidifies into the candy you know and love as it cools. You should suck on this candy, enjoying the flavor, as it dissolves in the mouth. However, many people feel tempted to bite hard candy before this point.
Such an act could result in serious tooth breakage. If you cannot resist biting down on hard candy, you should steer clear of this treat. But if you do hurt your tooth this way, do not hesitate to let your dentist know.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes might seem harmless, but chewing on them can be one of the quickest ways to damage your teeth. Many people have a habit of crunching on ice, especially after finishing a cold drink. However, ice is extremely hard. Biting down on it can create small cracks or chips in your teeth. Over time, these tiny fractures can worsen and lead to more serious dental issues.
Try to resist the urge to chew ice to protect your teeth. If you enjoy the sensation, consider switching to crushed ice or letting the ice melt in your mouth instead. Contact your dentist right away to prevent further harm if you’ve already damaged a tooth by chewing ice.
Nuts and Seeds with Shells
Nuts and seeds are a healthy snack option, but those with hard shells can pose a risk to your teeth. Examples include pistachios, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Many people use their teeth to crack open these shells. This can put excessive pressure on your enamel and lead to cracks or fractures.
To avoid this, always shell nuts and seeds before eating them. Use a nutcracker or buy pre-shelled varieties to keep your teeth safe. If you do accidentally crack a tooth while eating nuts or seeds, don’t wait to see your dentist. Early treatment can prevent the damage from getting worse.
Bones in Meat or Fish
While bones in meat or fish can add flavor to your meal, they can also be a hidden danger for your teeth. Accidentally biting down on a bone can cause a tooth to crack, chip, or even break completely. This is especially common when eating ribs, chicken wings, or fish with small bones.
To reduce the risk, take extra care when eating foods with bones. Cut meat away from the bone before eating, and check fish carefully for small bones. If you do experience a dental injury from biting into a bone, call your dentist as soon as possible. They can repair the damage and help you avoid further issues.