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!

The post Careful! Top Foods That May Chip or Fracture Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Depending on the severity of your cracked tooth, your treatment may be cosmetic or it may
require an additional procedure to save your tooth. What happens once you crack a tooth?
Here’s what you need to know.

Tooth Bonding

If the crack in your tooth only extends as far as the enamel, you may be able to forgo treatment
or you may need tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding—also called dental bonding—is a form of treatment in which a tooth-colored
resin is bonded to your tooth to protect it from further damage as well as to fill in chips and
cracks.

Tooth bonding will not be ideal for every cracked tooth, but it can be used to repair certain
cracks and stop them from getting worse. Visiting your dentist can help you determine if this
treatment is for you!

Root Canal

When a crack extends beyond the enamel and into the softer tissues of the teeth, it’s likely that
you’ll need root canal therapy to prevent an infection in your tooth. When a crack leads inside
the tooth, it can be a gateway for bacteria and food particles to enter your tooth and cause an
infection.

Depending on your unique case, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with a dental
crown affixed to the end of the tooth to protect it from further damage. During a root canal,
your dentist will remove the inner pulp of your tooth to prevent an infection, or if the crack has
been present for some time, remove a potentially ongoing infection.

Since cracks have the potential to spread, it’s important to secure protection for the tooth in
order to avoid an extraction and save your natural tooth.

Extraction

In the event that the crack in your tooth leads below the gumline, your tooth may need to be
extracted. These are cracks that extend vertically down the tooth and towards the tooth’s root
and may be referred to as a split tooth.

In many cases, a split tooth is the result of a crack that’s been there for some time and has
extended down the tooth. Unfortunately, for many patients, the tooth in question will need to
be removed to prevent infection.

If you notice a crack in your tooth, getting it evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible can help
you receive the treatment you need to save your tooth!

Whether you have a superficial crack in your teeth or a deeper crack that’s causing you pain
and discomfort, it’s important to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a
cracked tooth is considered an emergency and should be evaluated that same day. Getting
prompt treatment can help you protect your cracked tooth to save your smile!

The post Cracked Tooth? Here’s What May Come Next appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.