Everyone knows that proper dental care and a healthy lifestyle are essential to prevent oral health problems. Unfortunately, dental emergencies can still occur when you least expect them to. Did you know that some of your favorite foods can accidentally chip, break, or crack one of your teeth? It can be alarming when that happens, and a visit to your dentist is likely necessary. To prevent a painful accident from ruining your day, your emergency dentist in Sebastian shares a few foods you should be careful around.
Popcorn
This movie-theatre favorite can easily chip your teeth if you’re not careful. Whether you make or buy popcorn, there are always those few kernels that remain unpopped and can be hard to see. If you unknowingly bite down on one, you could crack or bruise a tooth and experience discomfort every time you bite down. To avoid these incidents, be sure to give your container of popcorn a good shake beforehand to allow the unpopped kernels to settle at the bottom. Then, try eating only a few pieces of popcorn at a time!
Nuts
Nuts are a popular snack because they’re tasty and healthy! However, their hardness can pose a threat to your pearly whites. Some nuts, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pistachios, can cause damage if you use your teeth to open the shell. By using your teeth as tools, you’ll notice the edges becoming fragile, and they’ll be more susceptible to chipping or cracking. Another thing to be cautious about is the nut casing. It can get lodged in the gums, causing gum irritation and inflammation.
Bones
Who doesn’t love bone-in meat? It’s a must at summer barbeques! Unfortunately, biting into the bone can easily crack your tooth. That’s why you should be mindful when eating chicken wings, chicken legs, ribs, and other bone in-meats. If you use these meats for salads or soups, be sure to remove the bones before serving.
Ice
Plenty of people love chewing on leftover ice after finishing a cool drink. However, this habit can damage your teeth, causing cracks and increased sensitivity. Whether you eat ice cubes because it’s enjoyable or you simply can’t kick the habit to the curb, you should be careful and find alternative ways to satisfy your cravings. If you find yourself craving ice often, it could be a sign of an iron deficiency and you should contact your doctor.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that can be found at most family gatherings and backyard barbeques. Although it’s certainly tasty, this delight can damage your front teeth when you bite into the cob to chew off the kernels. To prevent a broken, chipped, or fractured tooth, try removing the kernels off the cob beforehand so you can enjoy the corn without biting into the cob.
As you can see, some of your favorite foods can harm your pearly whites if you’re not careful. If you accidentally chip a tooth, contact your emergency dentist right away for help – they’ll give you the prompt relief you deserve!
About the Practice
At Sebastian Dental, we take the stress out of dental care and help all our patients feel at ease. Our goal is to make you and your loved ones enjoy dental visits! We understand that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them to. Our team is specially trained to handle urgent situations, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Visit our website or call (772) 388-0088 to schedule an appointment.