Ice cream is a favorite treat among adults and children trying to stay cool in the summer heat. As refreshing as this snack can be, it can negatively impact your dental health and cause unscheduled visits to the dentists office. Here’s what you should know about how ice cream affects your oral health, so you can safely taste the frozen treat. 

How Does Ice Cream Cause Problems? 

1. Promotes Tooth Decay & Gum Disease 

The sugar in ice cream may taste sweet, but it can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Sugar builds up in hard-to-reach places and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, causing tooth decay and gum disease. Eventually, this can grow into cavities and require restorative dentistry to fix. Dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with water and brushing your teeth within 20 minutes after eating ice cream to whisk some of the sugar away. 

2. Stains Teeth 

Colorants used in ice cream can discolor your teeth for a short while, but there’s also a risk of developing permanent stains and discolorations when eating too much sugar. Cavities deep within a tooth will add decay and dark spots to the enamel. Bacteria collecting around the sugar can make the teeth look yellow or brown, which may require a professional teeth cleaning to clear up.

3. Sticks to Braces & Dental Crowns

While ice cream itself doesn’t stick to dental gear, many varieties include caramel and candy, which do. Not only can this buildup of chewy and sticky candy loosen or dislodge crowns or fillings, but it can also collect in braces and make cleaning difficult, contributing to tooth decay. You may need to visit a dentist for a professional cleaning more often if you ingest sugary desserts while wearing braces.

If you’re like many people who eat ice cream from time to time, make sure you’re still taking care of your oral health by visiting a dentist. The compassionate family dentists at Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI, provide only the best in restorative dentistry, including teeth whitening and dental crowns. Call (608) 784-4063 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.