Festive season dental injuries

During the festive season, certain foods pose a higher risk of breaking teeth. Here are some of them, along with steps to take if you experience a broken tooth:

Foods That Can Break Teeth

1. Hard Candies: Biting down on these can crack teeth.

2. Nuts:Some nuts, especially when hard-shelled, can be tough on teeth.

3. Popcorn Kernels: Unpopped kernels hidden in popcorn can be a hazard.

4. Brittle: This hard, sugary snack can cause cracks or chips.

5. Ice: Chewing on ice cubes can damage tooth enamel and lead to breaks.

6. Olives with Pits: Accidentally biting down on a pit can cause a break.

7. Meat Bones: Biting into bones when eating meat can be risky.

8. Pork Crackling: Every year patients present with broken teeth from biting into pork crackling.

What to Do If Your Tooth Breaks:

1. Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to clean the area.

2. Take Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.

3. Avoid Certain Foods: Stay away from hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as anything too hard or chewy.

4. Cover Sharp Edges: If the broken tooth is sharp, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax to prevent it from cutting your cheek or tongue.

5. See your Dentist ASAP: A dentist can assess the damage and discuss options like fillings, crowns, or other treatments.

Prevention is key, so be cautious with what you bite into during the holidays.