The best way to slow the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic is to practice social distancing and stay at home. Since most dental offices will only be accepting emergency appointments during quarantine, it’s more important than ever to keep our teeth safe and intact. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of ways you may accidentally chip, crack, or damage your smile while at home. Your Brady emergency dentist explains which foods you should avoid to prevent a dental emergency.
Avoid These Dangerous Snacks
It’s common knowledge that eating too many sugary treats will give you an uncomfortable cavity, but they’re not the only snacks you should be cautious of! You should also limit or avoid:
- Nuts and ice cubes: Chewing on hard foods wears down your teeth and weakens your enamel. You can easily chip, crack, or break a tooth by accident in a flash.
- Dried fruit: Even though they’re more nutritious, dried fruits are just as bad for your teeth as sticky, chewy candies are. They can dislodge or damage dental fillings and crowns over time.
- Popcorn: Having a popcorn kernel shell stuck between your teeth and gums isn’t just annoying: it can lead to an oral infection. You may also suffer a fractured tooth if you bite down unknowingly on an unpopped kernel.
Enjoy These Smile-Friendly Foods
Instead of unhealthy snacks that can hurt your teeth, try eating more foods that will give your oral health a boost, like:
- Cheese and milk: Dairy products and other calcium-rich foods can help strengthen your enamel, your jawbone, and the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
- Celery, carrots, and apples: Chewing fruits and vegetables that are high in fibers helps to scrub away any lingering plaque or sugars, which lowers your risk of cavities.
- Pineapples and oranges: Foods with vitamin C can boost your immune system and help your mouth fight off gum disease. This nutrient can also be found in broccoli, cantaloupe, and tomatoes.
Keeping You and Your Smile Healthy
The sudden changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic can easily make life feel overwhelming. Health experts and your Brady dentist strongly recommend practicing a regular routine every day, amidst all the changes. This consistency, even if it’s simply brushing your teeth every morning and night, can help you retain a sense of normalcy. Practicing regular oral hygiene will help keep your smile healthy and your mind a little more at ease.
About the Author
At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls, TX, we have always worked to prevent oral health issues and dental emergencies from happening in the first place. That’s why Dr. Greg Ritchie and his talented team take the time to help their patients learn how to take the best care of their smiles at home. However, if problems do occur, he has over 18 years of experience, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced training to help get your oral health back on track. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach him via his website or at (830) 693-8833.
