Chipped or cracked teeth can happen suddenly—and often while enjoying foods you may not expect to cause damage. While teeth are strong, they are not indestructible. Certain textures and eating habits can increase the risk of dental emergencies. Knowing which foods to approach with caution can help protect your teeth and keep your smile intact.

When you go to your dentist about a cavity, they are usually able to treat it with a tooth-colored filling. It helps repair the damage done by decay while also looking incredibly lifelike in the end. However, like with any other restoration, your results from it aren’t invincible. Replacements will be needed over time, but how long will that take? Here’s what you need to know about a filling’s lifespan.