Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Most dentists regularly treat toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth, but every so often, a truly unusual case walks through the door. While some dental emergencies are painful, others are simply bizarre—and often preventable.
Here are 4 of the strangest dental emergencies that highlight why it’s important to think twice before putting unusual things in your mouth.
1. A Tooth Broken by a Popcorn Kernel
Popcorn is a favorite movie snack, but those unpopped kernels can be surprisingly dangerous. Dentists have treated countless patients who cracked a tooth after biting down on a hard kernel hidden among the fluffy pieces.
What makes this emergency so strange is how something so small can cause such significant damage. Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may range from a simple filling to a dental crown or even a root canal.
The lesson? Chew carefully, especially when eating foods that may contain hidden hard pieces.
2. Objects Stuck Between Teeth for Weeks
Many people use toothpicks to remove food stuck between their teeth, but some patients get creative with less appropriate tools. Dentists have reported removing everything from fingernails and plastic fragments to pieces of metal and even small toy parts lodged between teeth and gums.
In some cases, patients don’t realize an object is stuck until it causes swelling, pain, or infection.
If something becomes trapped between your teeth, floss is usually the safest first option. If it won’t come out, it’s best to call your dentist rather than experimenting with household items.
3. Broken Teeth from Opening Packages
Your teeth are designed for chewing food, not opening bottles, tearing packaging, or cutting fishing line. Yet many dental emergencies occur because people use their teeth as tools.
Emergency dentists frequently see chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth caused by attempts to open stubborn packages or twist off bottle caps.
These injuries can happen in an instant and often require immediate treatment. Keeping scissors, bottle openers, and other proper tools nearby can save you from an unexpected dental visit.
4. Sports Injuries Involving Unexpected Objects
Sports-related dental injuries are common, but some of the causes can be surprisingly unusual. Dentists have treated patients injured by flying equipment, accidental collisions, and even objects that had nothing to do with the sport itself.
A distracted player running into a goalpost, a spectator hit by a stray ball, or an athlete colliding with a teammate can all result in broken or knocked-out teeth.
Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard remains one of the best ways to protect your smile during athletic activities.
While these unusual cases may seem amusing, they serve as important reminders that teeth are strong but not indestructible. Many dental emergencies occur because of everyday habits, accidents, or split-second decisions. Whether you’re eating a hard snack, playing sports, or tempted to use your teeth as a tool, taking a few extra precautions can help keep your smile safe.
About the Practice
When it comes to dental emergencies, Drs. Joel and Daniel Eley have seen a lot! That’s why they’re the perfect pair to handle your predicament here at Eley Family Dentistry. We aim to see patients as quickly as possible and keep them relaxed if necessary with nitrous oxide dental sedation. And the last thing we want you to worry about is being able to pay for emergency dental care, which is why we offer flexible financing through CareCredit. If you’re in pain, don’t delay – book online or call our Melbourne office at (321) 622-8711.