Watch Out for Hard Foods That Can Chip Your Teeth!

Would you like to try some of that sushi from the gas station? It’s probably okay to eat, but of course, there’s some risk involved.

That’s kind of the deal when you are eating hard foods that can chip teeth. You’ll probably be fine but being cautious can protect you from a big mistake that can hurt your mouth and your wallet.

Keep reading to find out some foods that pose a degree of risk for requiring an emergency dentist.

Corn on the Cob

Biting into a corn cob can easily chip or fracture one of your very front teeth, because their shape is not designed for biting this item. It’s wise to avoid corn on the cob altogether if you have fillings, veneers, or crowns.

Hard Breads

Breakfast items like bagels and snacks like pretzels fall into this category. When eating hard breads, they are safer for your teeth if dipped into olive oil or butter.

Nutrition Bars

On the surface, a nutrition bar seems fine for teeth. However, it’s the hidden threat of a piece of nutshell or an ultra-hard chunk of dried fruit that is the issue.

Pits

Cherries, olives, and peaches are some potential sources of pit problems. Don’t trust labels that say “pits removed,” since the risk of cracking your tooth on a pit is still probable.

Ice

Chewing ice cubes can cause microscopic, hairline fractures in your teeth. Over time, the cracks can increase in size and cause your teeth to become more sensitive to temperature.

Hard Candy

Chewing hard candy instead of letting it dissolve in your mouth is asking for trouble. Don’t let a jawbreaker live up to its name.

Bones

Ribs and chicken wings can be delicious but be careful with your bites when it comes to bone-in meats. Or if you use soup bones to add flavor, be sure to remove them before serving your dish.

Nuts

The main takeaway is to avoid cracking open nutshells with your teeth. Also, if you are eating something that includes shelled nuts, watch out for there potentially being fragments in the package.

Popcorn

The worry with popcorn is biting into an unpopped kernel. All it takes is a bite into one for your tooth to fracture or your filling to break. So, exercise caution and don’t grab too big of a handful.  

You don’t have to give up the hard foods that you love but knowing how important it is to bite them carefully can make all the difference for the future of your oral health. Nobody wants to have to make that frantic call to an emergency dentist, after all.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we have a trio of dentists who combine their talents to plan comprehensive treatments for patients in need. We have been treating patients here in Lynchburg since 1980. A dental emergency is the last thing anyone wants to think about, but it’s important to have a plan in case eating a hard food item puts you in a precarious position. If you ever need our help when a mishap materializes, visit our website or call (434) 847-5331.