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.
At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
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 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.
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 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!
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.
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 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.
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 312-224-9916.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
I can't recommend Dr. Mahler highly enough! He is the best dentist I have ever had, combining exceptional professionalism with deep knowledge and expertise. His team is equally outstanding, making every visit smooth and pleasant. I first came to him after a distressing experience with another dentist, and Dr. Mahler... read more
I walked in to see the dentist for a consultation. I thought I would be turned back due to not having an appointment. Amazingly, the doctor welcomed me, examined me in a professional and friendly way. Frankly, he took the time to check my teeth and explained in details his... read more
Just had my first visit to Smile 312 in the Loop—spotless office, friendly staff, and they’ve got Netflix to keep you entertained. Went in for a cleaning and check-up; dropped about $150 after insurance, which felt fair. They broke down the costs and insurance stuff clearly. Scheduling was easy, and... read more
Dr Mahler has been my dentist for over 30 years. Simple cleaning this time. He had done a crown and filled cavities. I have brought family and friends to him. Personable and lets you know what needs to be done . I highly recommend him.
Thanks Dr. Mahler and the dental assistants for providing a professional and excellent service. Update: Dr. Mahler is the best dentist I have had after I visited some other dentists. He is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He fixed my old crown and recommended another oral surgery expert Dr. Zager... read more
OnI of the most comprehensive and thorough dentists with real interest in the patients and best care for them. I would recommend Dr Mahler to others looking for an experienced and caring dentist. Their staff is also amazing.
Experience is always top tier! Staff and doctor very friendly
Always superb.
I went in for an appointment to start the process of getting Invisalign, ended up finding out about other more important issues going on in my mouth. Thanks Dr. M. for being honest and candid about the health of my teeth and gums. Health is more important than aesthetics!
I’ve been a happy patient of Smile 312 for 20 years. Seeing Dr. Mahler really changed the trajectory of my oral health. Charming office, personable staff, painless procedures, and efficiently ran - Very minimum wait time, if any! I’m spoiled for sure.
