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.
Experience is always top tier! Staff and doctor very friendly
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 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.
Dr Mahler is very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He will do what’s best for his patient and walk you through the process so you are fully informed. His staff is also very helpful and customer centric. Great practice!
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.
Dr. Mahler has been my dentist for over 20 years. He is very proactive at planning the next step of treatment. He managed a complex dental implant and bridge situation for me. He also has put plans in place for my daughters and we have been able to avoid orthodontics.
Dr. Mahler really took his time with me and made me feel listened to. The consultation I had was a very positive experience.
Great expertise. A 1 in a million phenomenon. The destroyer of TMJ. Other dentists tremble at the sound of the name doctor Mahler (and I’m not talking about the weight loss doctor in Lockport) because they know they cannot compete no matter how hard they try.
I had a wonderful experience at the dentist office today. Dr. Mahler is an excellent dentist. He takes his time and explains to you was he's doing while he performs his job. His staff is very professional and kind.
