Foods That Can Trigger Dental Emergencies

January 24, 2025

Dental emergencies are like unwanted guests; no one wants their surprise visits, but it is definitely a possibility.

Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them. But do you know your food plays a major role in this emergency?

There are some food items that increase the risk of dental emergencies. When you have an understanding of these items, you can be extra cautious while having them.

In this blog, you will get an extensive list of all the food items that can be dangerous for your teeth.

Hard Foods

Hard foods can be bad for your teeth. Some of these are:

Hard candies are not only sugary in taste but also require extra force to bite through. This can often lead to cracks in your teeth.
Many people have this habit of chewing on ice cubes, but this is actually very bad. It can cause enamel fractures.

How to reduce risks?

Suck on the candies and make them softer before biting.
Do not chew ice cubes; try sipping cold drinks with a straw.

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky foods are difficult to clean off your teeth. If you do not take adequate precautions, you will need to visit an emergency dentist in St. Louis soon.

Watch out for:

Caramel and toffee – these stick to your teeth and pull at your fillings or crowns.
The texture of gummy candies can trap sugar in your teeth for a long time and increase the risk of decay.

How to stay safe?

Go for sugar-free alternatives.
Brush and floss immediately.
Limit the frequency of taking these food items.

Foods with Small, Hard Bits

If you bite on foods with unexpected hard bits, it can lead to chipped or broken teeth. So, look out for:

Nuts with shells can be dangerous if you bite them accidentally.
Sometimes, meat dishes like chicken wings or ribs also have small bone fragments that can be dangerous for your teeth. So be cautious while having them.

How to avoid accidents?

Carefully inspect your food before biting it.
If you find any hard pieces, remove them before eating.

Acidic Foods and Beverages

The effects of acidic foods may not be visible immediately. But over a period of time, they weaken the enamel of your teeth and increase the chances of sensitivity.

Citrus fruits, like lemons and tomatoes, have the potential to erode the enamel when you consume them frequently.
Do you frequently have salads with pickles dressings? This can also weaken your enamel over a period of time.
Sodas and energy drinks are another source of high sugar and acidity. These products can contribute to a storm of dental issues.

What can you do?

Rinse your mouth immediately after consuming such foods and drinks.
Avoid brushing after, as your enamel remains soft at this time.

Crunchy Snacks

Snacks like chips and pretzels may seem harmless to you, but they can actually cause unexpected dental problems.

Chips and pretzels can break into sharp prices, which can irritate your gums.
Small pieces can also get lodged between your teeth, leading to decay and discomfort.

How to snack safely?

Chew slowly and carefully to avoid the sharp edges.
You can use dental floss to remove any stuck pieces of food.

Around 2 million people visit dental clinics for emergencies in the USA. This high number clearly shows how important it is to understand the triggers.

Follow simple tips and maintain regular hygiene, and you will be good to go without any sudden dental problems. If you experience a dental emergency, contact our office for a quick assessment.