Your tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your whole body. Even so, it isn’t very flexible, so it can be prone to chipping or cracking. Slips and sports could possibly do this, but some foods could do it too! It may be hard to believe that your pearly whites can break by doing their job, but it’s true. Hard foods lead to chipped teeth and your dentist will need to help fix it.
If you want to learn which foods pose the most danger to your teeth, continue reading. You’ll find a top five most dangerous list.
1. Ice
A favorite pastime for some people is chewing on fresh ice cubes. Whether it’s at a restaurant or the movies, there’s something about them that makes them appealing to munch on. Surprisingly, they’re also one of the worst offenders for chipped teeth as repeated crunching wears down and breaks enamel.
2. Popcorn
Speaking of the movies, there’s nothing better than a handful of buttery popcorn to complete the experience. While there’s nothing wrong with the fluffy outer portion of popcorn, the kernels are a different story. These tiny, ultra-hard cores are notorious for sticking in teeth and even causing chips!
3. Jerky
Jerky is a tasty protein-based snack that comes in a variety of flavors. You can pick it up at almost any grocery store or gas station. While for some it’s a necessary road trip staple, you may want to reconsider picking it up if you’re tooth-conscious. The tough, chewy meat is known to cause chipping and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
4. Pit Seeds
These little seeds are the pits! Olives, peaches, cherries, and many other fruits and berries have large hard cores that can damage teeth if bitten. Try to get versions of these that have had the pit removed and be careful while eating.
5. Hard Candy
While some of these other entries may have been surprising, this last one shouldn’t be. Hard candy is double trouble for your teeth. Not only does the sugar they’re made of feed bacterial plaque and cause cavities, but the hard outer shell can chip or even crack your teeth! There’s a good reason some of these hard candies are called “jawbreakers.”
Your teeth are strong and serve the purpose of breaking down food well. It’s in your best interest to keep them healthy and strong by avoiding or minimizing the amount of these foods you consume. If you do chip your tooth, don’t panic. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible!
About the Practice
At Holliston Complete Dentistry, Dr. Saba K. Abernethy and Dr. Maxwell Aniconi are your trusted dental experts. They use the latest dental technology to ensure that your treatment is fast, efficient, and comfortable. Their team takes pride in the welcoming atmosphere they provide so that every visit is a great experience. To schedule an appointment, call (508) 429-5300 or visit the website to book online.