Flying to your destination can be an exciting part of your journey. Normally, flights offer different kinds of snacks. If you have a long flight, it can be tempting to indulge in whatever the airline offers. However, some of these snacks can damage your oral health. In fact, it can lead to dental problems or even dental emergencies. To keep your oral health in check, there are certain common airplane snacks that you should avoid.
Sticky and Chewy Candies
Sticky and chewy candies may be popular among travelers, but they pose a significant risk to your teeth. Snacks like gummy bears, caramels, and taffy stick to your teeth. While the delicious sweetness may linger, so will the sugar. Unfortunately, this creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive.
The longer these sugary treats stay in your mouth, the greater the chance of tooth decay and cavities. This is because the bacteria feed on the sugar, producing acid that eats your enamel. Additionally, sugary sweets can cause bad breath.
Hard Candy and Breath Mints
While hard candies and breath mints may seem harmless, they can wreak havoc on your teeth. Sucking on hard candies exposes your teeth to sugar for an extended period.
This can increase your risk of tooth decay. Additionally, some candies and mints contain acidic ingredients. Over time, they can erode your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and cavities.
If you prefer these treats, try a sugar-free alternative instead.
Salty Snacks
Salty snacks like pretzels, potato chips, and peanuts are commonly offered on airplanes. However, excessive salt consumption can lead to dehydration, which affects your oral health.
Dehydration reduces saliva production, leaving your mouth dry. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. This means that a dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay and bad breath.
You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your travels.
Sugary Beverages
Sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and sweetened coffee or tea are often served on flights. These drinks are high in sugar and acid that attack your tooth enamel. Furthermore, sipping on sugary drinks throughout the flight exposes your teeth to a constant sugar bath. This can increase your chances of developing cavities or enamel erosion.
Starchy Snacks
Starchy snacks like crackers, cookies, and breadsticks may seem harmless. However, they can be problematic for your dental health. Starches break down into simple sugars in your mouth, fueling bacteria. As bacteria feed, they produce acid that can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. You can swish water in your mouth to rinse the food particles and sugar from your mouth.
Throughout your travels, you should be mindful of your diet. Dental issues don’t take a vacation. Importantly, you should continue to follow your daily oral hygiene routine and drink plenty of water. This can also help you protect your teeth and avoid dental emergencies.