You may absolutely love pickles and their sour flavor, or you might be the type to offer them to your friends. It’s normal for someone to fall on either end of the spectrum, and you may land on the side that enjoys them. It’s a tasty addition you reach for on the regular, but is it good for your oral health? Keep reading to learn what you should know about how it can affect your smile.
How Pickles Can Harm Your Smile
Pickles can actually be a healthy snack to have. They are made from cucumbers, which are already low-calorie and have a lot of fiber. Better yet, there are many different kinds with spices and flavors, so you can find one that speaks to you! However, it’s the act of pickling that can be harmful to your teeth.
Vinegar is often a main ingredient in what people use to pickle various foods. This is what makes them problematic. It’s very acidic, which can erode your enamel when it’s exposed to it, weakening it.
You may be at a higher risk of cavities, but also have sensitivity to hot and cold items, as this outer layer thins. This part of your tooth won’t be able to repair itself either, so it can only worsen if you don’t take steps to remineralize it.
The Good Pickles Can Do for Your Oral Health
That being said, pickles can actually be good for your oral health in a different way! They are full of probiotics, which can prevent tooth decay. These are good germs that can balance out the harmful bacteria, so adding them to your diet with a solid oral hygiene routine can help you avoid developing a cavity.
What Can I Do to Protect My Smile?
In the end, you should do your best to protect your teeth from any dental problems that can affect them. This is especially true when you have something acidic like pickles. A great habit you can pick up is drinking water after you eat one. This will rinse off any acids that are lingering on your smile.
You can also brush your teeth, but be sure to wait at least 30 minutes. Your enamel softens as you eat these types of foods, so a good scrubbing can cause scratches and damage. Holding off for a short while will give it time to reharden. Use a fluoride toothpaste and you can also replenish some minerals back to the top layer of your teeth.
Just do the tips above in the meantime, and you can continue having pickles without worrying about it harming your grin.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Cohen earned his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He has since undergone advanced training and has several years of experience, which he uses to give the Fruit Cove community high-quality care. Dr. Cohen is here to help keep your smile the best it can be through routine checkups and cleanings. If you want to know how your pickle-eating habits are affecting your teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (904) 230-2961.