The Super Bowl is next Sunday, February 5. As you watch the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants, you’ll probably be too caught up in the action to pay attention to what you’re putting in your mouth. Ask Dr. Greenfield how to protect your smile from your favorite game-day snacks.
Chips and Dip
Chips are hard and crunchy, and careless biting could chip a tooth. In addition, many chips are salty and greasy. The salt sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Dip, on the other hand, is usually made from sour cream or cream cheese and can be a great source of calcium. Instead of the chips, try pairing your dip with fresh veggies, cheese, or crackers.
Pizza
You don’t want to miss a minute of the game, so you call the pizza delivery to bring food to you. The extra layers of cheese can stick in your mouth and feed your oral bacteria. Furthermore, thin crust pizzas are crispy and capable of tooth fractures, while thick bread crusts require extra chewing and are capable of jaw aches. Avoid double toppings to keep your pizza healthier for your smile and your waistline.
Buffalo Wings
One of the most common football snacks are chicken wings. Try to order boneless wings so you don’t accidentally break a tooth on a hard bone. Additionally, traditional buffalo sauce is a bright reddish color that can stain your teeth. Try eating popcorn chicken bites without the sauce, or substitute grilled chicken strips.
Soda
After all this food, you need something to wash it all down. Soda has caffeine to help you stay pumped up during the game. However, it also coats your teeth with sugar and acids that cause decay and erosion. Try drinking water to stay hydrated like the football players. If you must have soda, sip it through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
Whether your favorite team wins or loses the game, be sure to keep your smile a winner by rinsing out your mouth with water to remove extra food debris. Ask Dr. Greenfield what other game-day activities can ruin your smile. Contact Lake Orion Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.
