Common Foods That Can Damage Aging Teeth

As we grow older, teeth often become more vulnerable. Enamel wears down over time, past dental work may weaken, and roots may become more exposed. Even though enamel remains the hardest tissue in the body, older teeth do not always resist stress the way younger ones do. Certain everyday foods or habits can crack or chip teeth especially when enamel is thinner or there are existing restorations or sensitivity. 

To protect your smile if you are 55 or older, it helps to know which foods pose more risk. Simple precautions like taking smaller bites, chewing slowly, or avoiding biting directly into something very hard, can go a long way. 

In the event that you do crack or chip your tooth, talk to your dentist or reach out to Access Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, by calling 410-304-7226. Dr. Lina Jarboe and our team of dedicated dental professionals help restore the form and function of damaged teeth, allowing you to smile and eat comfortably once again. 

Why teeth over 55 may chip more easily

As we age, enamel thins and gums can recede, exposing softer dentin that can easily chip. Dry mouth related to common medications reduces saliva, which normally protects teeth and supports oral health. Older dental work such as fillings or crowns can loosen over time, making teeth more vulnerable. Keeping teeth strong with routine checkups, fluoride, and a balanced diet helps reduce risk.  

The most common foods that can crack a tooth

If you want to keep your smile in pristine condition, make sure you are careful when eating the following foods. You may even want to avoid them entirely if your teeth are particularly delicate. 

1. Nuts and seeds with shells

Your average cashew or peanut typically will not be hard enough to damage a tooth. Still, things like sunflower seeds and pistachios, which most often come shelled, have been known to send people to the endodontist. Avoid biting directly into the shells and you should not have any issues with these otherwise healthy snacks. 

2. Popcorn

Don’t worry, your favorite cinema snack is not much of a threat to your dental health. It is those little unpopped kernels at the bottom of the bucket that are the hidden danger. Popcorn kernels are very hard, and they are not something you want to be chewing on if you are looking to protect your teeth. Keep an eye out for them, and you should be just fine. During movie nights, scan for unpopped kernels and any hard kernel fragments that can hide among the fluff. 

3. Anything with a pit

Olives and cherries are adored by many, but your teeth will not like them very much if you wind up biting into a pit at the wrong angle. All you really need to do is eat these snacks with a bit of extra care or opt for pitless varieties, and you should not experience any dental damage. 

4. Hard candies

You should limit your candy intake overall if you are looking to care for your teeth. Specifically, hard candy offers an extra challenge to your pearly whites. On top of the decay‑causing sugar candies are made from, a bite down on a hard candy could crack your teeth if you are not careful. It is okay to indulge here and there, but be sure to exercise caution when you do. For dentures, crowns, or bridges, hard candy can easily lead to cracks or loosenings. 

5. Ice

Ice isn’t strictly a food, but it is a common culprit when it comes to cracking and chipping teeth. Chewing ice cubes stresses enamel and older restorations. Even small ice cubes can fracture fragile edges, and leftover ice cubes in drinks can surprise you with a sudden crunch. 

Other foods that can crack your teeth

Here are a few other foods that can chip a tooth if you are not careful: 

• Foods with bones 
• Hard bread 
• Jerky 
• Biscotti 
• Corn on the cob 

Also be cautious with crunchy foods if you have sensitivity or past dental work. And watch out if you are prone to chew on hard non-food items, such as pen caps, as they could easily damage your teeth if you are not careful. 

What to do if you have a chipped tooth

If you have a chipped or broken tooth:

• Rinse gently with warm water, then apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Save any pieces, since a dentist may reattach them or smooth the area. 
• Call your dentist promptly. Many cracks are a dental emergency, especially with pain or temperature sensitivity. 
• Avoid chewing on the injured side. 

Dental treatment may include smoothing sharp edges, dental bonding, a crown, or a root canal if the tooth pulp is involved. 

Smart swaps to prevent chips

• Choose a soft, protein‑rich healthy snack like yogurt, eggs, or tuna instead of hard candy or biscotti. 
• Stay hydrated, and talk with your provider about dry mouth, a common issue after 55 that raises risk for chipped teeth. 
• Eat calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats, and practice good oral hygiene to protect enamel. 
• Pre‑cut corn off the cob and meat off bones, and skip chewing ice cubes. 
• Schedule regular exams to monitor older dental work. 

Traumatic dental injury treatment from Access Endodontics

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, do not wait to see an endodontist. Speak with your dentist or contact us at Access Endodontics today by calling 410-304-7226 or filling out our online form.