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Posts for: June, 2015
Summer brings with it a variety of foods and drinks that fit in well with the hot season. However, Wayne, New Jersey general dentist Frank Kardos has a list of snacks that might be harmful to your dental health.
Soda
It's hot outside, so naturally you need to stay hydrated. But Dr. Kardos cautions against the temptation of chugging a soda down. The sugar in soda, when introduced to plaque bacteria, creates an acid that quickly wears away at your enamel. Diet sodas contain artificial chemicals that have a similar effect. And while sports drinks may be refreshing, they often contain almost as much sugar as a soda. You're better off drinking water on hot days - it's much better for hydration and is beneficial to your teeth because it helps to rinse away bacteria instead of promoting its growth.
Ice cream
Besides the sugar content of most ice cream flavors, the cold temperature may trigger an uncomfortable sensation if your enamel has been weakened. This can be a result of decay, grinding your teeth, brushing them too forcefully or a side effect of tooth whitening products. Try using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. A fluoridated mouthwash may also help. Your Wayne general dentist Dr. Kardos may also suggest applying sealants or resin material if your teeth are extremely sensitive.
Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, and oranges are delicious and have many healthful properties. However, their acid content is very high; this can erode enamel over long periods of time. Limit your citrus fruit intake and make sure to drink water after eating.
Ice
Crunching on some ice may seem like a good way to beat the heat while steering clear of sugar. However, your Wayne dentist, Dr. Frank Kardos, often sees patients who have chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged their teeth from biting down on ice. It's best to just enjoy water in its purest form.
People with restorations and orthodontic work have to be especially careful while eating because of the potential to dislodge or damage their dental work. If you have a question about any other foods to avoid, contact Dr. Kardos' Wayne dentist's office for more information.