If you’re a frequent moviegoer, it’s hard to enjoy any piece of cinema without a big bowl of buttery popcorn! But unfortunately, those fluffy little kernels can actually pose a serious threat to your pearly whites—as can many other foods! Here’s a list from your emergency dentist in Houston of some of the most common foods that are actually hazardous for your smile and can chip your teeth, along with what to do if you find yourself with a chipped tooth.
What Foods Can Chip My Teeth?
Everybody loves to eat—but nobody wants to end up with a chipped or fractured tooth simply from enjoying their favorite foods! That said, here are some foods that you should show caution around:
- Popcorn
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candies like lollipops, jawbreakers, etc.
- Nuts with hard outer shells (peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
- Chicken wings, fish, etc. (the bones from certain meats are problematic)
- Pits from cherries, peaches, olives, etc.
- Hard bread, pretzels, biscotti, tough granola and nutritional bars, etc.
- Ice cubes—these are for chilling your drinks, not chewing!
Simply put, it’s difficult to avoid every single item that might potentially harm your teeth. However, showing a little extra care can go along way when enjoying these foods. Always be sure to inspect something before you bite into it, and always chew your food slowly and carefully to avoid any sudden injuries (this also helps with the digestive process).
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
If you find yourself with a chipped tooth despite being careful, there is no reason to panic—these injuries are quite common and easily treatable with the help of your emergency dentist in Houston. If the injury occurred while you were eating, be sure to immediately stop eating and call your dentist; if you continue eating or prolong treatment, you’ll increase the risk of additional damage or complications.
Your dentist will ask how the tooth was fractured, so honestly recount what happened—this helps them determine the best course of action. If the injury extends below the gumline, it will need to be treated promptly. However, most chips and cracks aren’t considered urgent, and some of the pain can usually be remedied at home by over-the-counter pain relievers, rinsing with warm water, and applying a cold compress. Depending on the extent of the damage, chipped and fractured teeth can be easily treated using cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, and other means.
You can’t anticipate chipping a tooth—but you can take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place, especially if you mind your diet. That said, if it does happen to you, a trip to your dentist is often all it takes to get your smile back on track.
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani received her DDS from the University of Texas at Houston and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields. Her practice in Houston is proud to offer a several types of services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. If you have any questions about the article, or you or a loved one is suffering from a chipped tooth, don’t hesitate to reach out to get the assistance you need: (713) 621-5141.