Did you know that teeth are harder than bone because enamel is the toughest substance in the human body? Although your pearly whites are incredibly strong and durable, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to harm. In fact, it’s possible to chip or crack them just by eating certain things. Keep reading to learn more about 4 foods to avoid if you don’t want to end up with a dental appointment!
Food #1: Hard Candies
If you want to keep your smile healthy, you might want to steer clear of hard pieces of candy. They are made from sugar which attracts toxic bacteria that contribute to cavities. Because they are intended to dissolve in your mouth, you end up exposing your teeth to the damaging ingredient for a longer period. You might try to circumvent this by biting into one, instead, only to end up breaking or chipping a tooth.
If you find that you simply can’t resist sweets, try something softer that melts more quickly in your mouth, like chocolate.
Food #2: Nuts
Though nuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they are also known to injure your grin. Many come in shells that need to be pried open, which many people do with their teeth. Unfortunately, using your pearly whites to crack open hard shells can fracture them. In addition to that, the seeds themselves are often tough, too, and you can hurt yourself by biting into them.
Food #3: Popcorn
This salty snack is a favorite for people of all ages but is notorious for causing dental dilemmas. Thin bits of popcorn kernels can easily lodge themselves in hard-to-reach places like between your teeth or below your gumline. Not only can this be irritating, but many patients have had to call the dentist after wounding their mouths while trying to remove them with household objects or silverware. The seeds themselves are also hard enough to break a tooth, too, if you bite into one that didn’t fully pop.
Food #4: Beef Jerky
Tough meats are notoriously difficult to chew, and beef jerky is no exception. It’s entirely possible to ruin a tooth while attempting to tear into a piece. Plus, you could overwork your jaw with the extensive chewing required to break it apart in your mouth and cause a problem with your TMJ (temporomandibular joint). This can lead to a stiff or locked jaw, headaches, trouble sleeping, and even malnutrition in extreme cases.
Avoiding these culprits can help keep your grin in prime condition!
About the Author
Dr. Justin Geller has nearly 30 years of experience improving patients’ lives by providing a wide array of top-quality dental services to people of all ages. He began his college career at Michigan State University and then eventually earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit. He continues to advance his skills and abilities with ongoing training courses and educational opportunities so he can offer the best possible solutions. If you’ve broken or chipped a tooth, you can request a same-day appointment by contacting the office on the website or calling (248) 926-4030.