Our teeth are durable, powerful little tools that can chew a wide variety of delicious, nutritious foods. Unfortunately, however, there are some foods that are a bit more difficult to break down than others, and though tasty, can sometimes wreak havoc on them. If you’re concerned about tooth damage, here are a few foods that you should avoid.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a movie-fan favorite, but it can sometimes be dangerous for your teeth. Those un-popped kernels can cause tooth damage if you bite one unexpectedly, and the hulls can easily get stuck between your teeth causing pain and frustration.
Nuts
Nuts are an extremely good source of many essential fats, vitamins, and minerals, however if you have brittle teeth, they can also cause their fare share of damage. But don’t skip them entirely. If you’re nutty for nuts, consider nut butter or stick to softer varieties like walnuts or pecans, which may be easier to bite into.
Bones
Yes, some people do chew on the bones of their chicken wings, but this can be bad for your teeth, too. Make no bones about it: your teeth weren’t meant to chew them, so stick to the meat only!
Hard Candy
Hard candy is not only bad for your teeth because it’s pure sugar, but also dangerous because it’s so crunchy. If you do indulge, try to resist the urge to bite it and let it dissolve naturally. Then, rinse your mouth with a big glass of water, or better yet, go brush all that sugar off your teeth!
Ice
Crunching ice is a refreshing, calorie-free way to cool down, but it’s also a bad idea for your smile. If you’re an ice cruncher, consider switching to crushed ice, or investing in an icemaker that makes the “good ice” or pellet ice.
Jerky
Beef jerky traces all the way back to the 16th century but remains a popular snack food today. While it is convenient because it doesn’t require refrigeration and doesn’t go bad like some other meat preparations, it can be tough to tear and chew, making it a bad idea for someone with delicate teeth. Not only that, but it can also get stuck in your teeth, which can be uncomfortable as well as cause bad breath and cavities.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summer staple, but it can be very hard to eat, especially if you have dental work, brittle teeth, or dentures. Still, there’s no reason to pass on this classic barbecue side. Just cut the kernels off the cob and eat them with a fork!
Remember, your teeth are meant to chew a plethora of fantastic foods, but when it comes to being easy to chew, some foods fit the bill better than others. If you have dental work, weak teeth, missing teeth, or wear dentures, avoid eating these foods to help prevent damage to your smile.
About Dr. Mahler
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler believes in taking a holistic approach to dentistry. He strives to educate each of his patients on the connection between their oral health and overall health, so they can understand the importance of protecting their teeth and gums for a lifetime.
To schedule an emergency appointment at Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist, please visit our website today or call us at 312-263-5262.