We all know that sugary foods are bad for your teeth. But did you know that some sugary foods are worse than others? And that some non-sugary snacks can also be dangerous to your smile? At Vintage Dental in Modesto, we want to educate you on the harmful effects of certain tasty treats to help you protect your smile.
While it’s common knowledge that sugar and sugary foods can cause extensive damage to the mouth, it may surprise some to know that not all sugary foods are equally dangerous. Sticky foods, and particularly sugary sticky foods, are more detrimental to teeth than sugar alone.
The sticky texture of these types of foods, including caramel and taffy, causes them to become stuck on the surfaces and in crevices of teeth. When this happens, sugars linger in the mouth for longer, making teeth more prone to decay.
Foods other than sweets can also be harmful to teeth and oral health. Hard foods like popcorn kernels and ice cubes can cause damage and even lead to broken teeth in Modesto. While teeth are strong and meant to help us chew food, they do have a breaking point. Consistent crunching of ice can lead to little cracks and chips, while snacking on popcorn can lead to other problems in the mouth.
This movie theater favorite is particularly dangerous. Hard, unpopped kernels can hide easily and aren’t detected until it’s too late, which can no doubt lead to broken or chipped teeth. But the husks can also cause issues by getting stuck in the gums and causing irritation.
To help keep smiles healthy, it’s important to see your Modesto dentist regularly for routine cleanings and checkups – especially if you’re an ice cruncher or popcorn popper. If you do happen to catch that pesky hidden kernel with your molar, don’t wait. We’re not only here to help prevent problems, we’re also here to help fix any issues you may have and get you back to smiling. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!