When you think of chipped teeth, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a not-so-pleasant memory of biting into their fork too hard. For others, it’s the image of playing an intense sport. In reality, something as simple as filling your plate with the wrong foods can damage your smile! To remain vigilant, here’s a list of foods that can chip teeth from your Dallas dentist!
Nuts
Due to their sheer hardness, most nuts pose a danger to your teeth.
Those still in their shell — including peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pistachios — can cause problems if opened with your teeth. Doing so will cause the edges of your teeth to wear and thin over time, leading to chipping or breaking.
Packaged unshelled nuts can also be problematic since there’s a risk that said package contains shell fragments.
Popcorn
To be precise, the unpopped popcorn kernels present the real threat.
Kernels sometimes remain unpopped and hard to see when eating popcorn. If you unknowingly bite down hard on one, you can crack or bruise your tooth, which can result in discomfort.
Ice
Ice cubes, even small ones, are hard on teeth when chewed.
Chewing ice before it dissolves can cause your teeth to develop microscopic hairline cracks. Over time, these cracks can increase in size, causing your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. That being the case, dentists usually recommend that you not chew ice at all or only do so when it’s already crushed.
Crunchy Breads
While crunchy breads are tasty, they can break teeth. However, there are ways to make them less likely to chip your teeth.
Dipping the breadin olive oil or butter can soften it enough to lower the risk of breaking a tooth. Likewise, you could eat some right out of the oven, as it will still be soft before cooling (when they harden) and thus easy to bite and chew.
Hard Candy
Hard candies can be a real pain if you prematurely chew them.
Hard candy is made to be held in the mouth for extended periods, with its flavor savored and tasted as it slowly dissolves. Too often, people attempt to bite and chew hard candies too soon, which can lead to a serious dental injury.
It’d be better if you didn’t have to worry about tooth chipping during a meal. Thankfully, by being cautious around the above foods, you can confidently chew, bite, and eat without stress!
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett is one of the top dentists currently practicing in Dallas, TX. A member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and similar groups, she believes in the importance of learning about new materials, technology, and techniques in dentistry. Her work has earned her the American College of Dentists Award and D Magazine’s Best Dentists of Dallas listing in both 2019 and 2021. She currently practices at her self-titled clinic and is reachable at her website or by phone at (469)-874-0469.
