5 foods to avoid so you don’t crack a tooth

5 foods to avoid!

Nothing’s worse than a cracked tooth. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but also the most brittle. If you have large restorations or fillings you may be extra susceptible to cracking a tooth if you bite into something unexpected. Below are 5 foods to watch out for that can cause some serious dental damage.

Popcorn
While most of the time soft, popcorn can have hidden hard kernels. One wrong crunch might cause a crack in your tooth that can send you straight to the dentist. While popcorn is a delicious snack, eat it carefully to avoid biting into an unexpected corn kernel!

Candy
A usual suspect when it comes to tooth damage. Candies such as jaw breakers, jolly ranchers, or even lollypops can cause havoc on your teeth. If eaten how they are intended, they may be harmless, but when bitten into the effects can be disastrous. Softer candies such as taffy, starburst, or even jellybeans can cause dental damage as well.

Breads
Most wouldn’t consider bread to be a threat to your teeth, but hard breads can be a real dental destroyer. Baguettes, Sour Dough, or even biscotti can cause damage if too hard and crunchy. Try opting for a softer bread and take smaller bites if you’re indulging in sourdough.

Olive Pits
Whether it was hidden in your food or processed incorrectly, olive pits are notorious for cracking teeth. Next time you have one of these decadent snacks, make sure it has been pitted and is safe to eat!

Ice
Although this is not technically food, chewing on ice cubes can be especially harmful to your teeth. If you are trying to hydrate using an ice cube, suck on it instead of crunching. This rule also goes for popsicles!

Being mindful of how you bite into foods can spare your smile. Small nibbles can save your pearly whites! But if you do find yourself with an unexpected cracked tooth, call our office @ 215-969-1222 to schedule an appointment.