Brushing and flossing twice daily is essential for circumventing oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t have a dental emergency at some point in your life. For example, you might bite into something too hard and chip, crack, or dislodge a tooth or restoration if you’re not careful.
Your dentist can repair and restore your grin if it’s been injured, but you can prevent the damage altogether by avoiding certain culprits known to damage your teeth. Continue reading to learn about 3 foods that have the potential to harm your smile!
Food #1: Coffee
If you’re like an estimated 67% of American adults, you’ve enjoyed a cup of coffee within the past day. This drink is popular hot or cold, sweet or bitter, straight or with additives like milk, creamer, or flavored syrup. Plus, it contains caffeine to help wake you up in the morning or push through the afternoon energy slump.
However, this beany beverage also contains tannins, naturally occurring compounds in many plants that give them their astringent flavor. These particles bind with your enamel to tint your teeth more yellow or brown than pearly white. Furthermore, coffee has an average pH level of about 4.85 to 5.1. Anything under approximately 5.5 can potentially wear down your enamel, increasing the likelihood of developing dental problems.
Food #2: Popcorn
Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a movie in a public theater is probably familiar with the scent of this salty snack wafting in the air. It’s a popular offering for both children and adults and comes in various flavors that are sure to appeal to your tastebuds.
This family favorite is also notorious for its hard kernels, which don’t always pop and end up mixed in with the soft, fluffy bits. Many patients have accidentally bitten into one, unaware it was there, only to chip or crack a tooth. It’s also incredibly common for the kernels to slide between two teeth or under your gumline, which can be incredibly irritating until it’s removed.
Food #3: Hard Candy
Hard candy is another tasty treat that can please your tastebuds but potentially hurt your grin in a couple of ways. Biting into one can damage your enamel which can lead to additional injuries or infection. You might think it’s better to let it melt in your mouth, this exposes your teeth and gums to sugar for a longer period. Unfortunately, this only attracts germs that contribute to a variety of oral issues.
Knowing which foods can hurt your teeth allows you to make healthier choices to support your smile!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Whiting, you and the entire family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain happy, healthy mouths. With 50+ years of combined experience, they welcome people of all ages and can assist with everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to devise customized treatment plans to meet them. They also offer same-day appointments for emergencies, so you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (219) 659-4900.