To help slow the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic and keep their patients safe, almost every dental practice has decided to temporarily close. While routine cleanings and elective cosmetic treatments are being postponed, many dentists are still available to treat dental emergencies. However, to keep our loved ones safe and limit our trips outside, we should do everything we can to protect our teeth while we’re in quarantine. Your Medford emergency dentist explains which foods you should enjoy and which you should avoid to keep your smile happy, healthy, and intact while social distancing.
Avoid These Dangerous Foods
Getting cavities from eating too much sugar isn’t the only way what you eat can hurt your teeth. The most common culprits behind food-related dental emergencies are:
- Nuts and ice cubes: Hard bits of food wear down your enamel as you chew them. If you eat too many, you can easily chip or crack a tooth in a flash by biting down too hard.
- Dried fruits and sticky candies: Snacks that are chewy, sticky, and full of sugar tug at dental fillings and crowns and can possibly dislodge them. They also leave sugar in hard to clean places like between your teeth and behind your back molars, encouraging tooth decay.
- Popcorn: Undercooked popcorn kernels often get mixed in with popped ones, so you can easily bite down on one accidentally and fracture a tooth. Popcorn kernel shells also have an annoying habit of getting wedged between teeth and gums, which can cause tissue irritation and sores.
Smile-Friendly Snacks
Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious options that can keep your teeth safe and even improve your oral health, like:
- Celery, carrots, and apples: Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber gently scrub the surfaces of your teeth as you chew them and lower your risk of tooth decay.
- Cheese, turkey, and kale: Dairy products, lean proteins, and other healthy foods contain calcium and phosphorus, which rebuilds tooth enamel and strengthens the jawbone.
- Oranges, tomatoes, and strawberries: Snacks that are high in vitamin C encourage healthy gum tissue and help fight off any infections like gum disease.
It’s more important than ever that we do everything we can to prevent dental emergencies. Keep yourself healthy and your smile safe by eating the right foods during quarantine!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino and the talented staff of Giamberardino Dental Care in Medford, MA are committed to stopping oral health issues before they have a chance to begin. This includes educating patients on potentially harmful habits that can damage teeth. However, they understand that not all dental emergencies can be avoided. With over 30 years of experience and state-of-the-art dental technology, he can help you overcome any dental emergency and get back to enjoying your healthy smile. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact him via his website or at (781) 396-3800.