When enjoying a tasty meal or having a snack, foods that can chip teeth are probably the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, not being aware of the dangers associated with eating some of these foods may result in an unplanned trip to your emergency dentist. So that you can avoid the need for urgent treatment, read on to learn about foods that can damage your pearly whites, why this is dangerous, and what your dentist can do to help.
Foods That Can Chip Teeth
When it comes to foods that are bad for your smile, you may think of sweet treats like cookies and candy. This is because the sugar in the foods feeds the harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities. Unfortunately, these aren’t the only foods that can harm your pearly whites. Some foods that can chip teeth include:
- Corn on the cob
- Dried meats like jerky
- Popcorn kernels
- Hard breads like biscotti, pretzels, and baguettes
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables with large pits, such as peaches, olives, and cherries
- Ice cubes
- Hard candy
The Dangers of Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal, but it can do a lot more than just mess up the aesthetics of your smile. For example, the sharp edges created by a chipped or broken tooth can cut your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. Chipped teeth are also more likely to break, which may lead to the need for an extraction. Additionally, sensitivity is a common symptom of chipped pearly whites. Chips also weaken the enamel, which makes you more susceptible to cavities. If the chip is deep, this allows bacteria into the tooth and may result in a serious infection. The only way to treat an infected tooth is with a root canal. Though this procedure is nothing to fear and is virtually painless, it’s best to avoid the issue in the first place.
How Your Dentist Can Repair a Chipped Tooth
If eating foods that can chip teeth results in dental damage, there are several ways that your dentist may be able to repair it, including:
- Dental fillings – Tooth-colored dental filling may be able to repair the tooth if only a small piece of the enamel broke off.
- Porcelain veneers – These thin shells are made from dental-grade porcelain and cover the entire front of a tooth. This means that they can cover up chips and other cosmetic issues.
- Dental bonding – This uses a composite, tooth-colored material to cover up chips as well as other cosmetic flaws.
- Dental crown – These are tooth-shaped caps that encircle the entire visible part of a person’s tooth. They are often used when a tooth has been seriously damaged and improve both the look and function.
If you choose to eat the above foods, make sure to proceed with caution. This will allow you to avoid dental damage and keep your smile looking and functioning at its best!
About the Practice
Dr. Ye Wang leads her compassionate team of dental health experts at Plum Grove Family Dental with kindness that shows in the way they care for their Rolling Meadows patients. If you eat foods that can chip teeth and end up with a damaged smile, they will do what they can to repair it and get your oral health back on track. To make an appointment with Plum Grove Family Dental or for more information on their services, call (847) 221-5860 or visit their website.