When it comes to treats and sweets, ice cream continues to reign supreme. Many people enjoy this soft, frozen dessert on a hot day or just as a pick-me-up. However, if eating it has led to some sensitivity, it may be to blame. As tasty as it is, it can be bad news for your oral health when you have too much of it. Keep reading to learn why this happens and how you can enjoy it safely once again.
How Does Ice Cream Impact My Oral Health?
Ice cream can affect your teeth in a few ways, especially if you have sensitive teeth. If this is already true for you, then you may already know the sharp, sudden discomfort that occurs when you have anything cold. This happens when your enamel is weakened and exposes the dentin underneath, which has channels that lead down to the tooth’s nerve.
Not only that, but this frozen treat also has a lot of sugar in it. While it makes it tasty, the bacteria in your mouth also enjoy this aspect. They eat these particles that get stuck on your teeth and produce an enamel-eroding acid. This can lead to sensitivity and cavities.
By eating too much ice cream and not cleaning your smile afterward, you can increase your risk of oral health issues. Any dental problems that you have beforehand can lead to them getting worse.
What Can I Do to Enjoy Ice Cream Safely?
The good news is that you don’t have to completely avoid ice cream! Instead, you should limit how much you have in general. This can help keep any damage to your enamel to a minimum and protect your mouth. When it’s time to enjoy a scoop or two, wait 30 minutes before brushing with sensitive teeth toothpaste. Sugary (and acidic) foods can soften your enamel, so doing your dental hygiene right after can harm your smile.
If you are one to bite into your ice cream, then you can consider letting it melt a bit before licking it; that way, you reduce how much your teeth come into contact with it. Some people find that eating with a spoon is a bit easier for them!
In the end, this frozen treat is a great way to cool off on a hot day. However, if it causes some sensitivity consistently, then it doesn’t hurt to talk to your dentist. It can be a sign of an oral health issue that can lead to a dental emergency in the future. That way, when you get your treatment, you can get back to enjoying ice cream with a happy smile.
About the Practice
At Juno Beach Smiles, we are here to help the community get the best oral health they deserve. Led by Dr. Greg Riley and Dr. Duane Keuning, you are in the hands of compassionate professionals who are here when you need urgent dental care. With a quick call, we can get you scheduled as soon as possible and give you advice on what to do. Once it’s time for your visit, we use state-of-the-art technology for a quick and effective treatment.
If you want to take steps toward protecting your teeth, schedule an appointment or call our office at (561) 622-7243.