There’s no denying it—ice cream is one of the most popular and delicious desserts on the whole planet, especially on a hot day. And with the summer season right around the corner, you may find yourself opting for a sweet, frozen treat every so often. But did you know that if you deal with dental sensitivity or other issues, ice cream can spell bad news for your smile? Here’s more about how the dessert can impact your smile’s wellness, along with a few ways to enjoy it without causing any dental discomfort or damage.
How Does Ice Cream Negatively Affect Teeth?
Ice cream affects the teeth in several ways. If you already have sensitive teeth, ice cream can trigger sharp, sudden pain. This happens when the enamel, or the outer layer of your teeth, is worn down, exposing the dentin underneath. Cold temperatures can reach the nerves more easily, causing discomfort.
Ice cream also happens to contain high levels of sugar—and while this is part of why it’s so delicious, it’s also what can feed the bacteria in your mouth and produce enamel-eroding acids that contribute to sensitivity as well as decay and cavities. Eating ice cream frequently and failing to brush afterward can increase your risk of dental problems tenfold. Plus, if you have untreated cavities, needless to say, the discomfort will only worsen when you eat ice cream.
How Can I Reduce the Negative Effects of Ice Cream?
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make ice cream easier to eat while also protecting your dental health:
- Enjoy ice cream as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Reducing frequency can help minimize damage to your enamel and keep your mouth healthier overall.
- Brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help protect your enamel and reduce pain over time.
- Acidic or sugary foods contemporarily soften your enamel, so wait about 30 minutes after eating ice cream before brushing in order to avoid damaging your teeth further.
- You can also try to let the ice cream melt a bit in your mouth rather than biting into it with your front teeth, by eating it with a spoon instead.
- It never hurts to enjoy ice cream with fruit, to at least add some nutritional value!
If ice cream regularly causes discomfort, it could be a sign of a more serious dental issue, such as worn enamel, gum disease, or a cavity. This means it’s time to contact your emergency dentist for treatment; continuing to enjoy this frozen treat while harming your smile isn’t wise at all!
About the Practice
Our team here at Holden Dental Care has served the dental needs of families in Holden and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide variety of services, including emergency dentistry and same-day appointments for patients with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to contact us to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 829-2642.