Ice cream is a time-honored summer tradition, especially in the middle of a heatwave. As delicious and refreshing as this frozen snack might be, it can also be detrimental to your dental health and cause cavities, gum disease, and unscheduled visits to your dentist’s office. Understanding how ice cream affects your oral health will help you enjoy your sweet summer treat safely.

Ice Cream & Your Dental Health

Ice Cream Promotes Tooth Decay

Almost all ice cream contains a lot of sugar, which is the leading cause of tooth decay. Even after eating the ice cream, the sugar sticks to the enamel of your teeth, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, this bacteria can eat through the enamel and establish a colony in the tooth itself, eventually causing cavities. While tooth decay can be easily fixed if you catch it early, preventing the buildup of bacteria in the first place is much simpler.

Many people struggle with sensitive teeth, and ice cream is one treat that can cause pain if you have a sensitivity to cold foods. Wearing away of enamel, tooth decay, and periodontitis can all cause sensitive teeth and can be a result of overindulging in foods that are high in sugar. Don’t let sensitive teeth or a minor toothache turn into a more significant, more serious issue that would require an emergency visit to your dentist.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

It can be hard to make significant changes in your dental health. However, there are small steps you can take every day to be more conscientious about taking care of your teeth. Consider the following:

1. Brush More Often

It’s a good idea to brush your teeth immediately after finishing ice cream or any other sugary treat. The toothpaste will scrub away the sugar that nourishes bacteria and helps them thrive. Make sure that you aren’t brushing aggressively or with an abrasive toothbrush, as this will wear down enamel and allow the sugar in ice cream to do more damage to your teeth. Of course, brushing right away isn’t always possible, so rinse your mouth out with water if you can’t get to your brush right away. Rinse for a few seconds to keep the sugar from settling on your teeth and creating buildup.

2. Limit Sugar In Your Diet

You don’t have to go without ice cream this summer, but it’s a good idea to limit your sugar intake as much as possible. Limit ice cream consumption to 1-2 times every couple of weeks to help prevent the need to schedule a trip to your dentist. Try skipping extra toppings like chocolate syrup, caramel, or other candied treats. Consider adding fruit or nuts to your ice cream if you need some extra crunch or sweetness. 

Whether you need routine cleanings or more extensive cosmetic work, Gregory Sy, DDS & Associates, Inc. truly cares about making the experience as pleasant as possible. Patients throughout Ohio’s Lorain County depend on this local dentist to provide the treatment they need in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. To learn more about their services and schedule your first dentist’s appointment, call their offices at (440) 282-9550 or visit their website today.