These 5 Foods Can Chip Your Teeth

Even if you love surprises, a chipped tooth is not usually the type anyone wants. Thankfully, it’s easy to prevent this type of dental emergency from happening. If you’re concerned about damaging your smile and want to keep your teeth in great condition for a lifetime, here are a few foods and habits you should avoid.

Sugar, Sugar

While candy is dandy, as they say, it can certainly be the opposite of that if it damages your teeth. Unfortunately, this can easily occur when you snack on gummies, caramels, taffy, which can damage dental work, or hard candies which can cause chips or cracks. For safer snacking, stick to softer sweets like chocolate. As if you needed an excuse!

Nuts & Seeds

Eating a diet rich in healthy fats and protein from seeds and nuts is an excellent way to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, but it can also be hard on your teeth. Don’t cut these nutritious foods from your diet, just opt for softer kinds like walnuts or pecans, or try a blended “butter” like peanut or hazelnut butter, and make sure you don’t shell them with your teeth!

The Cold, Hard Truth

Ice cubes may be refreshing to chomp on, but they can cause dangerous damage to your teeth, including chips and cracks. If you need a cool treat, stick to nugget ice, which is made to be easier to crunch and isn’t as hard as regular cubes

What a Pity

Any food with pits such as cherries, avocados, olives, and peaches pose a risk to your teeth, because even pitted varieties sold at most stores will occasionally have a stray seed. While these foods are all great for you, if you do enjoy them, be sure to remove the pit before biting into them, or bite very carefully if you don’t!

Crusty Breads

Crusty breads can often replace utensils, especially with stews and chilis. But on their own, these hard varieties can be tough on teeth. Thus, try to accompany them with dipping sauce or olive oil to soften them up before biting.

For crispy cookies or biscotti, try dunking them in coffee or milk while you enjoy!

Remember, your teeth were only intended to chew food, not packaging, fingernails, pen caps, or ice, but even food can sometimes damage them. Thus, be sure to avoid dangerous foods like the ones mentioned above, and if you do indulge, proceed with caution!

About Dr. Cline

Dr. Brent Cline is passionate about dentistry and believes one of the keys to being the best dentist he can be is to never stop learning. That’s why in addition to his primary dental education, Dr. Cline has far exceeded the minimum hours of continuing education for dentists in Idaho.

If you are suffering from a dental emergency such as a chipped tooth, contact Dr. Cline as soon as possible. We offer same-day appointments as well as sedation options for patients who are anxious or afraid to be treated. If you need immediate assistance, please call us at 208-487-5987.