Now that it’s October, there seems to suddenly be a multitude of delicious autumnal treats at every store and restaurant. Whether you plan to indulge in candy after trick-or-treating this year or enjoy an annual caramel apple, it’s important to remember to care for your teeth. Some foods are notorious for causing chips or cracks that can leave you in pain and at risk of additional breakage. If that happens, only your dentist has the experience and instruments to fully evaluate the condition of your tooth and make necessary repairs. To avoid this scenario, keep reading to learn about 3 foods that can cause harm.
Food #1: Popcorn
Whether you’re with friends at a fall festival with friends or watching the latest blockbuster from the comfort of your home, it wouldn’t be complete without salty popcorn. This fan favorite can cause issues with your teeth in more ways than one, however.
It’s highly likely that kernels will get caught in between them and if you’re not careful, you could hurt them trying to remove the culprit. If you use a fork, straw, or other utensil to pry it out, for example, you could chip your tooth or slice your gums. Ouch!
Not only that, but the hard seeds that don’t pop are strong enough to resist the force of your bite. Instead of crushing them, you could end up cracking your pearly whites.
Food #2: Ice Cubes
October is the time of year for spooky frights, but your fear could put your mouth at risk. If you chew ice or other hard objects as an anxious habit, it’s time to consider quitting. You might not realize something as seemingly benign as frozen water can be dangerous to your mouth, but ice is known to cause hairline fractures in your teeth. They could be so thin you don’t see them, but you’ll feel them the next time you consume something incredibly hot or cold. You’ll likely have tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures. If you notice an issue and aren’t sure why then it’s time to give the dentist a call.
Food #3: Hard Candies
You’ve probably noticed an assortment of candies filling shelves at every store you visit this time of year. Though incredibly tempting, the sugar attracts bacteria that can weaken the protective enamel of your teeth. If that happens, they grow weaker and become more susceptible to tooth decay and physical harm. To add insult to injury is the fact that biting down on hard candies can directly chip them even when they’re in prime condition. Save yourself the hassle and skip hard candies to keep your smile happy.
Don’t forget that the best way to prevent dental problems is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. That way they’ll be in tip-top shape and more likely to remain whole. A healthy oral hygiene routine can give you the peace of mind you need to make the most of this fall season!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Graffeo has over 25 years of experience helping patients reach their full potential by improving their oral health. He achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the NYU College of Dentistry in 1990. Since then, he has completed countless hours of continuing education to provide top-notch care using the latest dental technology and techniques. He offers same-day emergency appointments so if you chip a tooth, he can help! You’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (201) 683-3531.