One of the most common reasons people seek emergency dentistry is a broken tooth, and one of the most common reasons for a broken tooth is biting down on something hard. Our emergency dentist in Edmond, OK, Dr. Brian Howell, knows that good preventative care is about more than just warning you not to do something. Instead, he’s included a list of substitutes for common broken-tooth culprits.
Trade Hard Breads for Soft Rolls
A crusty baguette sounds great until you crack a tooth on one. The solution is an easy switch. Hawaiian rolls, brioche bread, or yeasty dinner rolls are all delicious additions to a meal, without the danger to your oral health.
Pick Seedless Versions of Foods with Pits
You can almost always find fruits with the pits removed, including prunes, grapes, olives, and cherries. Plus, getting seedless versions is also more convenient—no more need to have a bowl handy to spit out the seed. Your teeth will be better protected and you’ll feel a bit more dignified.
Substitute Nut Butters for Raw Nuts
While you can choose softer nuts like cashews in lieu of tougher ones like almonds, a better option is to avoid raw nuts altogether. However, the nutrients in nuts, like calcium, vitamin D, iron, and potassium, are great for your oral health, strengthening your teeth and protecting your gums from periodontal disease. Reach for a scoop of creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butter to get the benefits without the risks.
Opt for Boneless Meats
The famous debate when it comes to eating chicken is whether flats or drumsticks are better. At Eagle Dental, we’d prefer if that debate was between boneless wings or chicken nuggets. Eating any meat off the bone puts you at higher risk of injuring your teeth, so we recommend choosing versions that don’t contain any bones. Better to eat boneless than wind up toothless.
Choose Softer Mix-ins for Ice Cream
Candy is hard enough on the teeth. When mixed into ice cream, candy pieces freeze and get even harder. Any toppings that are already hard should be avoided, like M&Ms, chocolate chips, or nuts. Even chewy sweets, like caramels and toffees, which are already capable of sticking to your teeth, can pose a problem.
Ideally, you would cut down on ice cream in general, as the sugar can contribute to tooth decay. However, we don’t want to ruin the fun, so eat in moderation and add softer ingredients to avoid needing an emergency dentist in Edmond, OK.
Try Puffed Rice Snacks Instead of Popcorn
If you’re craving something crunchy, reach for puffed rice snacks. These are much softer and don’t have kernels. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors, so whether you’re craving the salt of movie theater popcorn or the sticky sweetness of caramel corn, you can find a rice-based alternative.
Accidents Happen, And We’re Here for You
If you do chip or fracture a tooth on hard, chewy, or tough foods in Edmond, OK, or the surrounding area, Eagle Dental’s emergency dentist can find the right treatment for you. We also help build up the strength of your teeth and gums when you visit us regularly for cleanings and preventative care, so don’t skip your appointments. Contact us today for any of your dental needs.
