The holidays may not be the most wonderful time of the year if you’ve cracked a tooth! Phoenix Endodontic Group sees a spike in cracked teeth during the holiday season due to a few common food culprits. Dr. Susan Wood has some advice to offer before you bite off more than you can safely chew at this year’s festivities.
One of the most common causes of fractured teeth is chewing on hard objects or foods. You may see (and hear) people chomping away at the ice in their drink during holiday parties and you’ll be witnessing tooth damage in action. Chewing ice may relieve stress or boredom, but it is unnecessarily stressful for teeth and often results in a visit to the dentist or Endodontist.
Hard candy would be another reason for dental mishaps around the holidays, says Dr. Wood. The proliferation of sweet treats offered up in bowls on every table may be greatly appealing, but if you have issues with enamel strength or a history of weak or cracked teeth, you may wish to avoid these temptations in favor of vegetables or low-fat cheeses. Harder nuts such as almonds (especially Jordan almonds surrounded by a very hard candy shell) are another food that will do a number on vulnerable teeth.
The greatest dangers in food may not be those you consciously eat! When asked about the most unusual thing she’s heard of to cause a patient’s cracked tooth, Dr. Wood declared it to be “A pebble in a salad!”
The holidays present other dangers resulting in cracked teeth. Dr. Wood says, Many tooth fractures are due to stress-related grinding (or bruxing) of the teeth and around the holidays, that can sometimes be more apparent. If you know you are a grinder, in times of high stress it may be beneficial to wear a special mouth guard to prevent damage. Your dentist or Endodontist can usually tell if you grind in your sleep and can help you acquire a guard.
The holiday season can be a menace to your teeth. Be aware of hazardous foods and call Phoenix Endodontic Group for any dental emergencies.