Tooth enamel is even harder than bones, but it’s far from immune to damage. If you’re not careful, you could end up chipping or cracking a tooth by biting down on the wrong kind of food. While you can always call your emergency dentist for urgent dental issues, it’s best to avoid damage to your teeth whenever possible. As such, you should take note of the following 5 foods that are known to result in damaged teeth.
1. Ice Cubes
Are you in the habit of chewing on ice cubes after you’ve finished a drink? If so, you may be putting your teeth at more risk than you realize. Biting down on ice can leave hairline cracks in your enamel that grow bigger over time. To avoid dental damage, it’s better to simply let ice cubes melt in your mouth without chewing on them (or to leave them at the bottom of the cup).
2. Hard Candy
Peppermints and other types of hard candy are not meant to be chewed; ideally, you should simply let them gradually dissolve in your mouth. Trying to chew on these treats can very easily lead to dental damage. Of course, even if you do simply let hard candy melt like it’s supposed to, the sugar it contains could still lead to cavities. Thus, such sweets are best enjoyed in moderation.
3. Citrus Foods
This is a bit of an indirect example. Citrus foods are soft and relatively easy to chew, but the acids they contain can significantly weaken your enamel, which in turn can leave them more susceptible to chips and cracks. To mitigate the effect citrus can have on your teeth, try drinking water immediately afterward in order to wash away the acids that might be lingering in your mouth.
4. Unpopped Popcorn Kernels
As long as it has fully popped, a single piece of popcorn isn’t a major threat to your oral health. However, trying to chew on an unpopped kernel can easily lead to damaged teeth. When you’re munching on popcorn during a movie, take great care to avoid any unpopped kernels. A good way to do that is to shake the bowl or bag; this will cause the kernels to fall to the bottom.
5. Meat That’s Still on the Bone
When you eat meat directly off of the bone, you are putting your teeth at risk. It can be all too easy to bite down on the bone by accident, and this can have serious consequences for your enamel. It’s much safer to cut the meat off of the bone before you try to consume it.
About the Author
Dr. Charles A. Parker has been taking care of smiles in Marshall since 1981. He offers fully personalized treatments for all of his patients and always takes the time to give them the one-on-one attention they deserve. His practice, Marshall Denture Clinic, accepts same-day appointments for dental emergencies such as damaged teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Parker, visit his website or call (903) 935-6351.