How to Avoid Breaking a Tooth

Breaking a tooth can be a costly, painful, and potentially embarrassing problem. Here's what to do to avoid this problem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get regular dental checkups.
   
   Sometimes times a tooth break because it's been weakened by an old filling or has a small, undetectable crack. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can have these problems corrected before they result in a broken or chipped tooth.
2. Avoid certain foods.
   
   Do you know the foods most likely to break a tooth? These include nuts in their shells, cherries with the pits intact, olives with pits, and unpopped popcorn kernels. Avoid eating these foods and you'll reduce your risk of a broken tooth.
3. Don't chew on ice.
   
   Ice causes small fractures in the tooth enamel which can result in a broken tooth. Avoid munching on ice at all costs.
4. Wear a mouth guard for sports.
   
   If you participate in sports that put you at high risk for injury, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. These can help to cushion a blow to the face.