4 Binge-Watching Snacks That Can Affect Your Smile

With the amount of streaming services on TV, it can get easy to want to sit down and just zoom through all your preferred content. Whether it’s a movie franchise or the newest season of your favorite show, you’ll probably grab a bite to eat while you’re at it! But did you know you could affect your oral health with the constant food and drinking? Keep reading to learn four binge-watching snacks that can impact your smile.

#1: Popcorn

Having good, old fashioned, and buttery popcorn can help enhance your cinematic experience, or at least keep you awake through the slow parts. However, there’s also the pesky kernels to look out for. Not only can these bits get stuck between and around your teeth, but they can pack a heavy hit to your enamel if you bite into a tough one.

#2: Takeout

Since services like Netflix and Disney Plus offer multiple episodes in one go, you’ll probably want to get something quick to eat so you can enjoy the show. After all, who would want to take the time to cook something when you can just get takeout? Although convenient, the problem is all the processed foods containing abundant amounts of sugar, which can harm your dental and overall health. Instead, try cooking your meals to ensure a healthier diet for your smile.

#3: Red Wine

Some people like to drink wine while they binge-watch movies, especially since both activities combined produced a higher amount of dopamine—the feel-good hormone! The thing is: red wine is acidic. That means it can break down the enamel of your teeth and discolor them. For this reason, one of the best things to do is to keep a proper dental hygiene after drinking your beverage. Doing so will allow your pearly whites to remineralize after the acids are scrubbed away.

#4: Soda

You might drink your favorite sodas along with your popcorn for the perfect movie going snack. While this can definitely make your viewing enjoyable, these drinks also contain lots of sugars. If left unwashed from your smile, it can promote bacteria growth and increase your risk of cavities.

While binge-watching itself isn’t an issue, certain habits can form while doing so and affect your dental health. By being mindful of the risks and cleaning your teeth often, you can ensure your smile is safe and healthy while also enjoying your favorite content!

About the Author

Dr. Jed M. Koops is a proud member of a number of organizations such as the Ohio and American Dental Associations, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Seattle Study Club. He earned his dental doctorate from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, and continues to seek advanced training to improve his expertise. With the latest technology, he provides a wide selection of treatments, including checkups, cleanings, restorations, and teeth whitening. If you want to know more about the effects of snacking while binge-watching, visit his website or call 216-464-2448.