Moviegoers are known to flock to theaters during this sunny season to see Hollywood’s latest and greatest. While going to the movie theater is a great way to beat the heat and spend time with loved ones, it’s also particularly dangerous for your smile.
Movie snacks like sugary sodas and chewy candies can cause quite a bit of damage to your dental health. If patients are already dealing with oral health woes, indulging in these concession snacks can be even more dangerous.
Don’t worry! There are plenty of alternatives you can choose or bring that will allow you to safely snack throughout the movie.
What Movie Snacks Should You Avoid?
In general, it’s safe to assume that most snacks at the movie theaters are not the best for your dental health. However, there are a few options that you should especially be wary of. Some of the notoriously damaging snacks include:
Popcorn: Considered a moviegoers staple, popcorn is one of the worst snacks for your smile because kernels can easily get stuck between your teeth. Patients also run the risk of accidentally crunching on an unpopped kernel, which often causes a tooth to crack.
Soda: Most sodas contain several ingredients that are harmful to your teeth. Most notably, the high sugar content in sodas can damage your smile because bacteria feed upon sugars and create an enamel-eroding acid. Many sodas will also include phosphoric acid, which gives a tangy bite to the beverage. Unfortunately, phosphoric acid is also corrosive and can lead to tooth decay.
Sticky Candy: Chewy or gummy candy is dangerous for oral health because it sticks to the teeth. The longer your teeth are exposed to sugar-filled candy, the more damage can occur.
Alternative Snacks for Moviegoers
Looking for tooth-friendly snacks for the movies? Here’s a quick look at some tasty options that won’t harm your smile:
- Fresh fruit
- Crunchy veggies
- Cheese
- Deviled eggs
Contact Herman Family Dental
From all of us here at Herman Family Dental, we wish you a wonderful summer at the movies! And as always, feel free to contact our office for any questions or concerns you have related to your dental health.