Want to Avoid a Dental Emergency? Stay Away from These Foods

With the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic going on, the last thing you want to deal with is a dental emergency on top of all of that. Although most dentists are only treating dental emergencies at this point, you’ll likely still want to avoid all that panic and confusion, especially when you should be staying home if at all possible. Luckily, your dentist has written this guide on how to prevent a dental emergency by paying attention to what you eat.

Foods to Avoid

To prevent needing to make a trip to your emergency dentist, stay away from the following foods:

• Hard candies. Not only do hard candies bathe your teeth in sugar as you suck on them, but biting them can fracture your teeth.
• Popcorn. Chewing on hard popcorn kernels can crack or chip your teeth. Additionally, the husks can get trapped between your teeth, increasing your risk of infection.
• Ice. While not technically a food, many people absentmindedly chew on the ice when they’re finished with their drinks. As you may have guessed, chewing on ice can break your teeth.
• Sticky candies. Chewy candies like gummies and caramel can get attached to your teeth, yanking out restorations like crowns. They are also typically high in sugar, so you’re more likely to develop cavities.

Foods to Eat Instead

There are plenty of alternatives to these items that won’t damage your teeth, such as:

• Sugar-free gum. Whenever the urge to chew on ice strikes, just pop in a piece of sugarless gum instead. It will satisfy your craving to chew something while simultaneously cleaning your teeth.
• Dairy products. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium, which strengthens your bones as well as your teeth.
• Leafy greens. Items like spinach and kale contain lots of vitamins and minerals that benefit the health of your teeth and gums. Plus, they’re usually low in calories.
• Fresh fruits. Fruits like apples and pears have a fibrous skin that naturally scrubs your teeth clean as you chew it.
• Almonds. Nuts like almonds are high in calcium and phosphates, both of which make your teeth stronger in the battle with decay. They’re also rich in protein while also being low in sugar.

Along with eating the healthy foods described in this post, it’s best to stick to water to drink instead of sweetened beverages like fruit juices and sodas. Tap water is particularly beneficial, as it contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens your teeth. Keep this post in mind as you make your next trip to the grocery store. It could save your teeth!

About the Author  

Dr. Mark Stapleton is a 2005 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Five years later, he became a Fellow of the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. He also holds memberships in the American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Spear Study Club, and numerous other local study clubs. His practice, White Oak Dental in Chaska, MN, is currently only taking emergency patients. If you find yourself experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Stapleton’s office at (952) 448-2868.