Enamel is the strongest structure in the human body, but that doesn’t mean it’s unbreakable. In fact, it is just a thin layer of our tooth that covers other less resistant layers: the dentin and the pulp. For this reason, there are precautions that we must take when it comes to eating some foods. In the case of restored teeth, it is possible to verify that they become more fragile as they lose more structure. If you use a fixed prosthesis, you need to take some care in your diet because, even though they are more durable materials, they are not unbreakable. The same can be said about removable acrylic or skeletal dentures.

We will share with you some information on foods that require your special attention to avoid breaking teeth and dentures. Never forgetting that there are other factors that promote the fracture of these structures such as: cavities, accidents/falls and parafunctional habits. Some tooth fractures caused by food are caused by the accumulation of stress over time. Often what can happen is to break the teeth with something soft, but in fact the tooth was already fragile.

 What foods to watch out for:

Bread – There are different types, but the ones you should avoid eating are hard crust and toasted bread. In addition, bread has elastic properties that have a suction effect and can also cause fractures in both teeth and prostheses.

Popcorn – Sometimes there is unopened popcorn kernels in the popcorn and it can cause fractures.

Bones – For those who like to gnaw bones or when, for example, a bone is found in food, there is a risk of fracture.

Nuts – Almonds, pistachios and peanuts are hard nuts and, for this reason, there may be a risk of fractures. For those who have more fragile teeth, the ideal is not to eat these hard nuts and introduce them in the diet in the form of aromas (for example: almond aroma, pistachio aroma) or flour and butter (for example: almond flour, peanuts and almond butter.

Candy – Caramels, lollipops, chewing gum and candies are very hard and sticky and can lead to detachment of dentures and dental fractures. If you want to eat one, we advise you not to chew them, but to let them dissolve.

Olives – The drawback is the pits, as there is a risk of cracking them and a fracture may occur. Attention is needed and you should remove the pits first.

Ice – For those who like to crack ice, know that this is quite hard for our teeth and there is a possibility of fracture, so don’t crack.