How Nuts Can Damage Your Dental Health

Posted on: 23 August 2016

Nuts are a tasty snack which can be eaten as they are, roasted or added to other foods. According to the Dietitian Association of Australia, eating a handful of nuts is a great source of fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. However, while nuts might taste great and be good for your general health, they can have a negative impact on your dental health. Below is a guide to why you should be careful when consuming nuts.

Nuts can cause damage to your teeth

If you have good oral health, your teeth should be able to adequately cope with chew on nuts. However, if your teeth have been weakened by decay, hard nuts may cause you to lose a filling or even crack your teeth. Even healthy teeth can sometimes be chipped or cracked by very hard nuts, such as whole almonds. If this occurs, you will probably require some form of cosmetic dental treatment to fix the damage.

Nuts can increase the rate of tooth decay

How you consume your nuts could increase the potential damage they cause your teeth. If you eat sugared or chocolate coated nuts, the sugary coating could increase the chance that you will develop tooth decay. The Australian Dental Association has warned that peanut butter can cling to your teeth, creating the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Muesli bars have a high nut content. However, the nuts are often held together by a syrup. This can sit on the surface of your teeth and cause decay. To avoid this problem, you should brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water after eating these foods.

Nuts can cause complications during dental treatment

If you have recently received a dental treatment, such as having a filling or having braces fitted, you should avoid eating nuts. A hard nut can easily dislodge or damage a new filling, which can cause pain and require another trip to the dentist. Hard nuts can also easily damage the wires of braces. If you have been fitted with braces, you should ask your dentist about which foods you can eat and which you should avoid.

Your diet can play an important part in your oral health. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, you should book an appointment with a dentist today. They will be able to offer you advice before carrying out any necessary treatments.

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