Teeth are incredibly durable, but they are not impervious to damage. While you’re probably aware of how excessive sugar consumption can feed harmful oral bacteria and lead to nasty oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease, you may not know that hard or crunchy foods can chip or crack your teeth if you’re not careful. Here are a few items to chew gently so you can avoid needing a trip to your emergency dentist’s office.
Don’t Let Your Teeth Get Crunched When on Popcorn You Munch
Popcorn is a beloved snack across America thanks to its crunchy yet fluffy texture, its minor nutritional value, and how easily it can be dressed with a variety of spices and condiments to produce interesting and tasty flavors. However, unpopped popcorn kernels are an insidious menace that can easily sneak their way into a handful. Vigorously chomping down on a kernel is a great way to crack, chip, or otherwise break your teeth. It’s best to enjoy popcorn piece by piece rather than by the handful.
It also pays to be mindful of popcorn hulls, as these can easily become lodged between teeth or in the gums. Remember to thoroughly floss after enjoying popcorn.
Your Enamel Will Groan if You Bite into a Bone
If you enjoy grilling, you’re probably a big fan of meat on the bone. Chicken wings, ribs, and steaks all make for an impressive cookout, but take care not to bite into bones when enjoying them. Chomping too hard into a bone can chip or crack your enamel, making your teeth more prone to further injury or infection. Even if the meat is cut away from the bone, fragments can still be lodged within it when it is served. The key to eating meat safely is chewing slowly and carefully.
Aw, Nuts
Nuts and seeds are delicious and nutritious treats that are staples of many people’s diets. While these plant-based payloads of protein are fun to eat and easy to share, their shells can easily damage your enamel. When enjoying treats like peanuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds, never use your teeth to crack their shells. Even if you are enjoying a bag of shelled nuts, be careful to avoid any shell fragments that may have been missed during the packaging process. It’s also wise to floss thoroughly after enjoying nuts in case any fragments get stuck in your gums.
A little caution goes a long way toward protecting your teeth from injury. By being mindful when eating these items, you can keep your smile in great shape for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Lavery earned his dental degree at the New Jersey Dental School (now known as Rutgers School of Dental Medicine) and has completed more than a thousand hours of continuing education. He has placed hundreds of dental implants and emphasizes non-surgical gum disease treatments when possible. His office in Mercerville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on protecting your teeth from injury, contact his office online or dial (609) 534-2636.