Do you love crunching into salty and tangy pickles? While they may make your tastebuds dance, they can wreak havoc on your tooth enamel. Is there a way to enjoy them and still prevent oral health issues? As you continue reading, a local dentist provides some important insight!
The Problem with Pickles
When eaten, pickles can be bad for your teeth because they have a low pH level, which makes them highly acidic. This primarily comes from the vinegar that is added during the pickling process. The highly acidic juice can eventually wear down the enamel (the hard-outer layer) of your teeth, which can lead to sensitivity to certain textures and hot and cold foods. Over time, there can even be cracks and chips, discoloration and indentations on the surface of your teeth.
Here are some of the other problems that can arise when there is prolonged enamel erosion:
- Yellow, stained teeth
- Increased tooth decay
- Shiny spots on your teeth
- Rough edges on your teeth
- Gradual enamel wear that leads to a translucent appearance
The Necessity of Safe Dental Hygiene
If you choose to treat yourself to a pickle, it’s important to perform dental hygiene afterwards, but it must be done correctly. It’s imperative that you wait at least 30 minutes after you finish eating to clean your teeth. That’s because the enamel is temporarily weakened after eating highly acidic foods. By waiting, it gives your saliva time to coat the enamel to remove some of the acidic compound and fortify your teeth.
How Pickles Can Support Your Oral Health
It turns out that pickles can have beneficial effects on your oral health when consumed properly. An integral part of the diet in the southwest of China, pickles are fermented, which attracts healthy bacteria. Referred to as probiotics, these bacteria offer several health benefits:
- Immune system regulation
- Stabilization of the intestinal microbiota
- Reduction of cholesterol levels
- The inhibition of tooth decay
To get the health benefits without damaging your teeth, one idea is to dehydrate and grind pickles and place the powder into capsule form.
Whether you eat pickles or not, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. Therefore, you can know for sure what condition your teeth and gums are in, have any existing issues treated and receive more pointers on how to achieve and maintain the best oral health possible. With the help of a local dentist and consistent dental hygiene, you can enjoy healthy and strong teeth well into the future!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich earned her dental degree from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. For over a decade, she has been helping patients in the Houston area experience healthy and attractive smiles by providing compassionate and competent care. Throughout her career, Dr. Rich has taken several hours of continuing education to stay abreast of the ever-changing world of dentistry. She offers a wide array of dental services at her private practice, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through her website.