After a long week, you just want to collapse on the couch, settle in with a tasty treat, and binge-watch your favorite shows. Modern streaming services certainly do make it easy to relax and unwind! Unfortunately, not all comfort snacks are created equal.
If binge-watching sessions make you crave crunchy munchies, keep reading. You’ll want to know how they could be affecting your oral health.
Classic Popcorn
To be fair, it’s not the buttery, fluffy part of popcorn that could harm your teeth. It’s the kernels! One bite into a popcorn kernel is enough to break a pearly white – or at least damage the enamel. Snack carefully if this is your go-to movie food, especially when you get to the bottom of the bag.
Bite-Sized Cookies
Maybe catching up on The White Lotus or Yellowjackets gives you more of a sweet tooth. Bite-sized cookies, brownies, and chocolates can be a tempting choice because they’re just so easy to pop into your mouth. Keep an eye on how many sugary treats you eat in a day, because sugar accelerates bacteria growth. That’s why kids are notorious for getting cavities!
Quick and Easy Take-Out
For many people, cooking is exhausting. And if you’re in the mood to binge-watch, you’re probably not in the mood to turn the stove on. Take-out is a more convenient solution than ever, but since this food tends to be highly processed, it also contains dangerous amounts of sugar. Consider your to-go options carefully and try not to make contactless delivery a routine habit.
Fun Little Drinks
Do you like to pair your Rom-Com with red wine? No? How about a soda? Or a cozy cup of hot chocolate? Fun little drinks can be a great addition to any watch party, but in addition to containing plenty of sugar, many of them are also acidic. When consumed in excess, acidic substances can wear down your enamel, eventually causing dental sensitivity, among other issues.
Binge-watching and binge-snacking aren’t inherently bad. Sometimes a little dopamine is exactly what you need. But these habits can become harmful if you’re not careful. Remember to eat in moderation, and if you’ve already had quite a few treats, consider healthier alternatives like fruits and vegetables. They can be just as satisfying and won’t damage your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Molly Burton earned her dental degree from the University of Louisville and has been practicing dentistry for over ten years. She prides herself on providing quality, one-on-one patient care, and will go the extra mile to make sure your needs and concerns are addressed during your appointments. If you’d like to learn more about snacks that harm your oral health, contact Dr. Burton’s office for a checkup & cleaning at 512-441-2098.