Most people are familiar with the sensation of having a piece of food lodged between your teeth. It can happen anytime, whether you’re enjoying the latest blockbuster at the theater, or having dinner at a friend’s house. It can be incredibly frustrating to remove it, especially if you don’t have floss or toothpicks on hand. Plenty of patients have accidentally chipped a tooth or gauged their gums trying to extract bits from their grin. Fortunately, you can prevent it from occurring in the first place by steering clear of these 4 foods notorious for getting stuck in your smile.
Food #1: Popcorn
This salty snack is a staple for adults and children alike and can be found during movie showtimes and at fairs or festivals. That said, it’s almost a given that at some point a kernel will jam itself between your teeth. The kernels can be so thin that they slide in easily, and can even penetrate below your gumline, and then are difficult to remove. You might find that it’s nearly impossible without the right tools to do so.
Food #2: Spinach
Though this leafy green is considered a healthy superfood, it’s also likely to slip between your teeth. Because it’s so soft, though, many people don’t realize there’s a problem until they see it in a mirror, or someone points it out to them. It’s sadly hard to tell that the dark spot on your tooth is a harmless vegetable, which could lead to bad impressions if you must return to work after lunch or have a fancy date.
Food #3: Tough Meat
Though brisket and ribs are family favorites at backyard barbecues, they’re notorious for working their way between your pearly whites. When you bite into a tough piece of meat, it’s easy for bits to get wedged in your front teeth. Then, because it takes some pulverizing before you can swallow, you might also get pieces caught in your molars. Yikes!
Food #4: Crackers and Chips
Dry, starchy foods are likely to stick on and around your teeth and attract toxic bacteria that lead to cavities. Though they may seem harmless, when you chew them, they form a sort of paste that easily clings to the surfaces in your mouth. You can reduce the impact by chasing them down with a glass of water to rinse your mouth.
Avoiding these common culprits can keep your smile clean and clear of unwanted leftovers!
About the Practice
At Biologic Dentistry, you’ll benefit from two dentists who take a holistic approach to oral healthcare and believe in stopping problems before they ever start. They provide a wide range of services for patients of all ages so that you and the entire family can enjoy improved dental health. Whether you need a routine cleaning, or hurt yourself removing stuck food, they can help! You’re welcome to contact the office for an appointment on the website or by calling (770) 426-9994.