Does Eating Ice Cream Harm Your Teeth?

Ice cream is a treat that most people enjoy, especially on hot summer days. It even contains calcium and protein, which are essential for your health! However, if you’re an ice cream fan, you should be aware of the effects the dessert can have on your oral health.

Ice Cream Contains Sugar

A mere half cup of vanilla ice cream contains approximately 14 grams of sugar. This is over half of the recommended amount of sugar that adults should consume in a day. Other flavors may have even higher amounts of sugar, and toppings can send the sugar content over the top.

Sugar can eat away at your teeth’s enamel and cause cavities. It does so by contributing to acid production in your mouth. The more sugar you allow to coat your teeth, the faster the cavities will progress.

While you can find sugar-free ice cream, it shouldn’t give you a false sense of security for your teeth. When you combine sugar-free ice cream with a cone or syrup, tooth-decaying acid will still be a problem.

Ice Cream Can Make Your Teeth Hurt

People that have a sensitivity to cold will find eating ice cream to be an uncomfortable experience. This sensitivity can be a sign of worn tooth enamel, tooth decay, or an exposed nerve. If you live in find that consuming ice cream is a painful experience, you should contact our dental office.

If your children are fans of ice cream but are experiencing problems with their teeth, you can schedule an appointment for them at the premier pediatric dental office in Bellevue, WA. At Art of Pediatric Dentistry, we truly believe that pediatric dentistry is an art and Dr. Yu Ong will work alongside you to provide a personalized treatment plan with your child!

Reducing the Negative Effects

Besides making an appointment with a pediatric dentist, there are a couple of things you can do to mitigate the effects of ice cream on your teeth. Try to enjoy sugar-free ice cream to avoid the acid build-up in your mouth. If you can’t go without your sugary summer treat, try eating it with a meal and in moderation. You can also remove excess sugar from your mouth by chewing on some sugar-free gum or rinsing your mouth with some water.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist Near You?

If you think you need a dental exam, or would like to inquire more about this procedure, don’t hesitate to call our pediatric dental practice in Bellevue, WA! You can reach our friendly team at (425) 401-1147. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Yu Ong online using our contact form. The Art of Pediatric Dentistry team will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you have!