While a chipped tooth is usually an issue that a dentist can easily resolve, it can be painful and inconvenient. Luckily, it’s easy to prevent chipped teeth from happening in the first place. From the field to the dinner table, here are some practical ways to protect your teeth in daily life.  

3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth Against Chipping

1. Wear a Mouthguard

While contact sports like football and hockey are known to cause dental injuries, those with little to no facial protection like baseball and soccer can also lead to chips. If you or members of your family play sports, get fitted for a custom mouthguard at your dentist’s office. Also, make sure to use the protective gear every time you’re on the field.

2. Be Careful With Hard Foods

Hard candies are notorious for chipping teeth, but there are some other frequently overlooked foods that can also damage enamel, like meat or fish with bones and undercooked rice and pasta. Try to de-bone your proteins, and cook starches according to their package instructions. Watch for hard pretzel pieces and popcorn kernels when snacking too.

3. Don’t Chew on Non-Food Items

Chewing on ice, pen caps, and other non-food items is a habit you should break right away. Ice cubes are among the American Dental Association’s most damaging foods, and for good reason: they compromise enamel, leaving either cracks or chips. If cool refreshment is what you’re after, sip on chilled water instead.

Although these strategies will help you prevent dental issues, teeth emergencies like cracks and chips can still happen. When they do, turn to the dedicated team at Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. With emergency care available as well as innovative solutions like same-day dental crowns, these dentists make it easy for patients to receive high-quality dental care for all needs. Browse through their comprehensive services online, or call (907) 562-2820 to schedule an appointment.