When you bite into your salty popcorn, delicious peach, or hardy protein bar, the last thing on your mind is your dentist. That is, until you feel your teeth come down on something hard, radiating pain throughout your mouth. Unfortunately, all it takes is one wrong bite for your otherwise pleasant day to turn into a stressful trip to your emergency dentist’s office. To help prevent that from happening, keep reading to learn four foods that can chip teeth!
#1. Popcorn
This classic snack is loved by movie lovers and health enthusiasts alike. After all, it’s got a great crunch and isn’t loaded with sugar! However, it’s important to exercise caution since unpopped kernels can be hard to spot. As a result, your teeth may bite down, expecting a soft, fluffy kernel, only to crack against the pressure of a hard one. To avoid this, reach for only one or two pieces at a time.
#2. Hard Candy
From lollipops to lemon drops, hard candies are meant to be savored. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to sugar can significantly increase your risk of cavities. The alternative of biting into the candy doesn’t serve you either since your teeth can chip or crack in the process. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these treats altogether. When you do indulge, make sure to drink plenty of water and complete your oral hygiene routine before turning in for the evening.
#3. Foods with Pits
Cherries and peaches are just a few foods that are packed with nutrients, making them a great morning or afternoon snack. Sadly, the hard inner pit poses a serious risk to your teeth. Even if you buy some with the “pits removed” label, be cautious. Make sure to look for pits beforehand and chew slowly. This will prevent you from experiencing the shock of accidentally biting into one.
#4. Nutrition Bars
Nutritional bars are a great snack for those looking to get essential vitamins and nutrients on-the-go. It is important to remember, however, that many of the ingredients have the potential to crack your tooth, especially if you aren’t paying attention while you eat. It’s helpful to avoid bars that have hard nuts or tough granola in them. Instead, stick to alternatives that contain softer ingredients, like blended peanuts or dates.
Whether you’re enjoying your first meal of the day or settling onto the couch with a bowl of popcorn to cap off your evening, the last thing you want is to crack your tooth in the process. Fortunately, you can help prevent that from happening by exercising caution with the above foods!
About the Practice
Leading our team at Darby Creek Dental are three exceptional dentists, Dr. David Cleveland, Dr. Deric Budendorf, and Dr. Kyle Wylde. Together, they are proud to help patients with everything from essential preventive care to last-minute emergency dentistry. That way, you can count on the same familiar, trustworthy, caring team time and time again. If you accidentally crack a tooth or are interested in learning more about the foods you should avoid, don’t hesitate to contact our team via our website or by phone at 937-644-8822.