Imagine enjoying a bite of something delicious only to realize a piece of it has jammed itself between your teeth—yikes! Although almost everyone has seemingly experienced the sensation of having food stuck in their pearly whites, that doesn’t make it any less inconvenient. Not only can it be incredibly frustrating, but many patients also damage their teeth and gums trying to dislodge foreign objects from their smiles. You could end up chipping a tooth or lacerating your gums, which require additional treatments to address.
Continue reading to learn about 3 common culprits that are known to cause problems so that you can avoid having food caught in your grin!
Offender #1: Spinach
Although many people enjoy the many health benefits of this superfood, you might want to avoid eating it right before an important meeting or social occasion. This leafy green is incredibly soft, especially when wet, and can easily slip between teeth or even under your gumline. Unfortunately, it looks dark against them and can give the impression of tooth decay or some other issue. If you have a photoshoot or important business meeting after lunch, you might not want to indulge in a spinach salad.
Offender #2: Popcorn
This salty snack can be doused in butter or sweetened with sugar, but either way, it’s notorious for getting stuck in your pearly whites. The kernels are incredibly thin, which makes it easy for them to sneak between your teeth. From there, it’s not uncommon for them to shift beneath your gums. Unfortunately, this can happen without you noticing, so it’s important to brush and floss thoroughly but gently after indulging in this family favorite.
Offender #3: Potato Chips
Munching on a handful of Lays or Pringles might make your tastebuds happy, but it can be troublesome for your smile. Potato is a starch that turns into mush in your mouth when exposed to saliva. As you chew, it forms a kind of paste that can cling to the surface of your teeth or get mashed between them. This attracts bacteria that contribute to oral issues like cavities and gum disease. To safeguard your grin, choose more wholesome options that benefit your dental health instead. For instance, dairy products contain calcium for strong enamel, and many citrus fruits have vitamin C to support your gums.
Now that you know what foods to avoid, you can make choices that keep your smile looking and feeling great in the long run!
About the Practice
Patients at Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full array of services from one convenient location. They are experienced in providing everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures and services, including emergency dentistry. They have equipped their friendly and welcoming environment with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while increasing the accuracy of your treatment results. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (702) 844-6224.