Summer is here! Local ice cream shops can start expecting lines of customers looking for a refreshing snack to cool down with during these hot, sunny days. However, this cold treat can have serious effects on dental health, so you may want to think again before joining a queue. Read on to learn how ice cream is bad for your teeth and tips on how to minimize harm.
How is Ice Cream Bad for My Teeth?
Ice cream may seem harmless, but it contains loads of sugar. The USDA reports that half a cup of vanilla ice cream contains a little over 14 grams of sugar—that’s about 56% of the recommended amount of sugar an adult should consume in a day!
Sugars attract harmful bacteria that feed off them, in turn, producing waste in the form of acids. This acid eats away at your enamel, leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. It also increases your risk of having sensitive teeth, which can make eating hot or cold foods an uncomfortable experience. Limiting your sugar intake is the best method for preventing dental decay.
Tips to Limit Negative Effects
The good news is you don’t have to stop eating ice cream completely. It’s rich in calcium, which is an essential nutrient for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Here are a few tips to minimize damage to your smile:
- Enjoy ice cream in moderation. If avoiding ice cream sounds completely unimaginable to you, limited consumption is okay! This dessert is best consumed in moderation and with a meal.
- Choose healthy alternatives. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a low-sugar gelato, frozen yogurt, or sorbet. If you simply must indulge in ice cream, look for low-sugar or sugar-free options.
- Limit toppings. Toppings like caramel, chocolate syrup, and gummy bears just add extra sugar to your dessert. Instead, opt for toppings with little to no sugar, like chopped peanuts, fresh fruit, or shredded coconut.
- Keep up with your oral hygiene routine. The best method for minimizing damage is with proper dental care. After eating ice cream, or any other sweet treats, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to remove any residual sugars. By doing this, you’re minimizing your risks by washing away food particles that bacteria like to feed on. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash will be sufficient in the meantime.
Now that you’ve got the scoop on how ice cream can affect your teeth, you’re ready to take on summer vacation with tips to help curb your dessert habits. After all, what’s sweeter than being able to enjoy a healthy, long-lasting smile?
About the Practice
Dr. Bobby Shirley, Dr. Clay Cannon, and Dr. Jack Bickford offer a wide array of dental services for the entire family. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complete smile makeover, our team at Distinctive Dentistry can help you meet all your dental needs. If you want to make sure the entire family has a summer-ready grin, visit our website or call (770) 445-6606.
