Without teeth, food would be much harder to enjoy. They allow you to bite, grind, and chew your meals up so you can receive the nutrients your body and teeth need to be healthy. As tasty as food is, there are a few types that can harm your smile if you aren’t careful. Read on to learn about a few kinds of foods that can chip teeth, the dangers this presents, and what to do if this happens to you.
Foods To Watch Out For
Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months aren’t the only ways to protect your smile. You should also make a point of avoiding foods that can harm your pearly whites or be very careful when eating them. Some examples of foods that can easily chip teeth include:
- Fruits and vegetables with large pits like peaches, olives, and cherries
- Hard breads like pretzels, biscotti, and baguettes
- Beef jerky and other dried meats
- Popcorn kernels
- Corn on the cob
- Nuts and seeds
- Hard candy
- Ice cubes
Dangers of Chipped Teeth
Aside from making your smile look uneven or lopsided, there are several consequences of leaving a chipped tooth untreated. The sharp edges can cut your cheeks, tongue, or gums. The tooth will also be more likely to develop a cavity, which can cause sensitivity. A chipped tooth can also easily become a broken tooth since it’s now weaker than it used to be. Deep chips can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, which can lead to infections, abscesses in the pulp and root, and painful toothaches. If these issues get bad enough, a root canal or extraction may be necessary.
What to Do If You Chip a Tooth
Even if you’re being extra careful while eating these foods, accidents happen. If you chip or break your tooth, follow these steps to protect your teeth from further damage:
- Visit your dentist – Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
- Rinse – Wash your mouth out with warm water to clear away debris.
- Apply an ice pack – Use a cold compress or an ice pack to alleviate pain or swelling.
- Take pain reliever – Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to ease discomfort or inflammation.
Be careful when eating the above foods to avoid a trip to your emergency dentist. If you do happen to chip one of your teeth, they will do what they can to repair it and get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Ryan Shaffer and Dr. Steven Shaffer, the compassionate team at South Ridge Dental makes patient care their top priority. From the moment you enter their practice, they aim to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the service you’re receiving. If you’ve chipped a tooth while eating, they can help you get the situation under control. Call South Ridge Dental at (402) 423-1616 or visit their website if you’re interested in setting up an appointment or want more information.