Although tooth enamel is actually tougher than your bones, this doesn’t mean that it’s not
susceptible to injury, just as your bones are not immune to fractures.
In fact, it’s easier than you think to chip or crack a tooth. While injuries such as these can
happen for a variety of reasons to teeth, some of the most common reasons people chip their
teeth is because of food!
If you’re not careful, some of these top foods can easily chip or fracture your tooth. Which
foods are most likely to hurt your smile?
Uncooked Popcorn
Although popcorn in and of itself isn’t an issue, uncooked popcorn kernels can quickly chip or
fracture a tooth. Often, uncooked kernels get mixed in with cooked popcorn and are therefore
likely to get eaten along with popped popcorn.
It’s imperative to never chew on uncooked or partially cooked popcorn kernels, whether by
accident or because the popcorn bowl is empty and you want to continue to munch!
Ice Cubes
Many people find chewing on ice to be a practice they enjoy, but unfortunately, it’s also one
that can crack or chip your teeth.
When it comes to ice, it’s best to leave this hard cold substance in your glass and let it cool your
drink, not damage your smile!
Candy
Hard candy is a favorite for many people to suck on. However, this hard food doesn’t just
contribute to tooth decay, it also can crack or chip your pearly whites!
Lollipops, caramel corn, jawbreakers, and even mints all have the potential to chip your teeth. If
you do choose to eat candy, always be mindful when it’s in your mouth and do your best not to
bite down on it!
Nut Shells
While nuts themselves have the potential to injure teeth, nut shells are also culprits. These nuts
include pistachios, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and walnuts. You should never bite down
on the shells of these nuts as they can crack or chip teeth.
Instead, always use care when eating nuts and never attempt to crack open a nut shell with
your teeth!
Stone Fruit Pits (Drupes)
A drupe is a fruit that contains a very hard pit, also known as stone fruits. These fruits include:
Peaches
Apricots
Olives
Plums
Cherries
Mangoes
All of these fruits have the potential to hurt your teeth. If you choose to enjoy these fruits, be
aware that their stone pits can crack or chip your smile. Many olives come pitted while most of
the other fruits can be sliced before enjoying. If you do choose to bite into them, always be
aware of where the pit is so that you don’t accidentally damage your teeth.
A tooth that’s been chipped or cracked still needs to be evaluated by your professional dentist.
Any injury to your teeth can allow bacteria to enter and possibly reach the nerves of your tooth
which could cause pain and infection. Never wait to seek help for an injured tooth, and never
eat these foods without being cautious!
