Crunchy, chewy snacks can be satisfying. Sometimes you just have a craving for a specific texture! But if you’re worried about chipping or cracking your teeth, that’s typically the type of foods you’ll want to avoid. This list of particularly damaging delights will give you a better idea of what to watch out for so you can dodge a dental emergency!
Corn Kernels
Popcorn is usually the first to go when you get braces or new dental restorations. There’s a good reason for that: the fluffy part might not do you any harm, but the unpopped kernels will!
Corn on the cob can be equally hazardous. True, these kernels aren’t as tough as what you’ll find at the bottom of your movie-night snack bowl. Tugging them straight off the cob puts more strain on your teeth than you’d think, though.
Nuts, Pits, and Seeds
These foods have one thing in common: they’re hard, and if you do break them open, their shells can get wedged between your pearly whites. That makes them doubly offensive, since they can be a bother to both your teeth and gums!
Tough Cookies
Some cookies are nice and soft. Others? Not so much. The brittle variety can get about as close to the density of a hockey puck as food legally can. Test out unfamiliar cookies by trying to break them in half first – or if biscotti is your go-to, be sure to liberally soak it in coffee.
Beef Jerky
Jerky meats aren’t hard necessarily, but they are tough. Working them down to manageable pieces can take a surprising amount of effort! This is another instance where excessive tugging can put your teeth in a rough spot. Plus, frequent jerky snacking can make your jaw and its joints sore.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Why is ice, cubed or crushed, so satisfying to crunch on? Maybe the sensation tickles the same part of the brain that enjoys throwing big rocks into ponds. Regardless, it’s unfortunately true: chunks of ice can damage your teeth.
Hard Candy, Chewy Candy – Candy in General!
It might be easy to see why hard and chewy candies can be a dental problem. If it’s hard, biting down can wear out your teeth. If it’s chewy, it’ll strain them instead and potentially stress your jaw. But realistically, all sugary candies are bad for your oral health! Sugar fuels bacteria like paper feeds a flame, and bacteria attracts cavities and gum disease like lanterns attract moths.
All things considered, you most likely won’t have to cut these snacks out completely – unless your dentist advises it. Some teeth are more sensitive than others, such as teeth with thinner enamels or previous damage. It’s best to consult with your dentist and general doctor before you dramatically change your diet, but opting for a softer treat instead of these tough customers certainly won’t hurt your teeth!
About the Practice
At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, we offer a comprehensive list of dental services for patients of all ages! Our friendly and compassionate team of dentists and orthodontists are highly qualified. If you chip a tooth, pop a brace, or crack a restoration on a tough snack, they’ll be able to take care of you and your teeth promptly and efficiently. Even if you simply have questions about damaging foods to avoid, feel free to contact us at 469-526-4040.