Summer grilling season is in full swing. Dental issues, such as broken, loose, shifting, or chipped teeth, can make enjoying food a painful experience. Strong teeth are important for every smile. Learn how our dental services help patients get back to enjoying the food they love.
Dental Problems Make Food Difficult to Eat
The health and comfort of gums and natural teeth can directly impact what we enjoy eating. Healthline reports chewing hard foods can lead to dental emergencies that worsen existing dental issues. The most common culprits include:
- Hard Rolls/Bread Buns
- Whole Raw Fruits and Vegetables (carrots, apples, pears, etc.)
- Thick Chips
- Hard Pretzels
- Corn on the Cob
- Tough or Bone-In Steak, Pork, Chicken Breasts or Chicken Wings
- Ice Cubes
At Three Rivers Dental Group, we review the needs of each dental patient to determine the best oral health plan. Common causes of chewing issues include:
- Loose or missing crowns
- Painful chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
- Damaged dental fillings or sealants
- Poorly fitted dentures or loose dental implants
Dental crowns, partial dentures, full dentures, or dental implants can often improve chewing. These dentistry solutions restore oral function and dental health.
Cut Out Sugar and Acid Based Food and Drinks
Sugary and acidic food and beverages can cause plaque buildup, causing serious damage to healthy teeth and gums. Scraping between teeth with toothpicks can also destroy existing dental work, fillings, or veneers and injure gums and teeth.
Prevent dental damage and decay by avoiding:
Sticky, chewy, or gooey desserts
Sauces and marinades high in sugar or acidity (vinegar, citrus juices, and/or wine)
Sugary soft drinks and/or alcoholic beverages
Apart from avoiding sugary or acidic foods, there are additional preventative measures that can improve oral health.
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss daily, and schedule professional dental exams and cleanings regularly.
- Fix loose fillings.
- Adjust your diet to protect tooth enamel.
- See your dentist regularly.
Help your teeth look great and stay healthy. Daily dental hygiene, regular dental exams, and professional cleanings can treat and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Eat a Great Summer Grilling Season Menu
Those affected by dental and chewing issues can opt for softer menu alternatives.
Swap hard bread for soft seedless buns or tortillas. Cut corn from the cob and serve the right kind of crunch with raw fruit and vegetables. Switch sugar-laden sauces for a dry rub of herbs and spices.
Making smart food choices can help. Dental-friendly menu options for the summer barbecue season include:
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables naturally scrub teeth and stimulate saliva to rinse the mouth and prevent plaque buildup. Use them as an appetizer or topped on sandwiches.
- Lettuce wraps filled with grilled vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms)
- Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk are nutrient-rich. They can strengthen tooth enamel and may also reduce the risk of gum disease. Choose a yogurt dessert or top a hamburger with cheese.
- Grilled tuna, mackerel, salmon, or trout.
- Soft tacos filled with shredded beef, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro
- Potato and Macaroni Salad
- Baked Beans
- Seedless Watermelon
- Deviled Eggs
Missing dental crowns, poorly fitted dentures, or loose dental implants can make chewing difficult. If you’re facing a dental emergency caused by a broken tooth or missing teeth, contact a dentist immediately for dental care.
Start Enjoying a Summer Grilling Season Menu Again
Our dental team can treat common oral health issues that cause mouth pain. Replace missing teeth, restore smiles, and make teeth stronger with full or partial dentures, dental crowns, and dental implant solutions. We also offer sedation dentistry for comfortable dental experiences.
Contact Three Rivers Dental Group today at 1-855-NO FEARS or request an appointment online to schedule a checkup and dental exam. We’ll provide you with dental care and treatment for healthy gums and stronger teeth. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.