La
Plata
Almost everyone has experienced the discomfort of having food lodged between their teeth. But did you know that this seemingly minor annoyance can have a significant impact on your oral health? It’s a magnet for harmful bacteria, leading to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. And if you’re not careful, you could even end up injuring your gum tissue in your attempts to remove whatever’s stuck.
Although flossing can often extricate the offending leftover, there’s no guarantee. If you cannot gently wiggle it out of place, then it’s time to contact your dentist. They can schedule you for a same-day emergency appointment to address the issue without damaging your grin. Then, you can prevent a repeat occurrence by avoiding these 3 common culprits that are known to get jammed in your teeth!
Food #1: Raspberries
Many people consider raspberries to be a superfood because of the many health advantages they provide. These tasty treats contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can help protect you from chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Unfortunately, the average berry contains about 120 seeds that can slip between your molars when you’re chewing. They can be quite frustrating to remove because your back teeth can be difficult to access to clear away any unwanted bits.
Food #2: Popcorn
Can you imagine the movie theater or your local fairgrounds without the smell of popcorn? This popular snack is a staple when you’re enjoying the latest blockbuster film or waiting in line for a Ferris wheel. Regardless of whether you like yours to be sweet or salty, there’s a good chance that, at some point, you’ll get a kernel stuck between your teeth.
In addition, there are usually plenty of hard seeds that don’t pop, which can be hazardous, too. If you carelessly bite into one, you could chip or crack a tooth. To avoid a potential dental dilemma, why not choose something else to munch on?
Food #3: Spinach
This is another healthy ingredient that’s good for your body but can be vexing for your smile. This leafy green is low in calories but high in fiber, which can help with weight management. Plus, it has plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants that can help keep your gums healthy.
You might wonder why it’s on this list if it can benefit your grin, but the truth is that spinach is also notorious for getting jammed in your gums. It’s soft enough to slide right between your teeth without you noticing, which has caused many embarrassing moments. Plenty of people have enjoyed spinach during a meal only to realize hours later that they’ve had a green blob marring their appearance all day.
Leaving these items off the menu can give you peace of mind that you’re proactively taking precautions to keep you out of the dentist’s chair!
About the Practice
At La Plata Dental, people of all ages benefit from two skilled dentists with decades of combined experience. They work together to offer a wide range of services to cover all your dental needs under one roof. With comfortable amenities like warm towels, cozy blankets, a drink bar, and free Wi-Fi, you’re sure to feel relaxed throughout your visit. Plus, they provide same-day appointments so that if you have an emergency, you won’t have to wait for relief. If you have something lodged in your teeth that you can’t remove, you can request an appointment on the website or call (240) 349-2439.