Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most anticipated food holidays of the year, with Americans consuming billions of chicken wings, countless bags of chips, and gallons of soda. While we’re all focused on touchdowns and commercials, your teeth are facing their own battle against some serious opponents. Understanding the relationship between Super Bowl foods and teeth can help you enjoy the big game without scheduling an emergency dental visit the next day.
The Worst Super Bowl Snacks for Your Teeth
Let’s start with the lineup of what game day foods are bad for your teeth. These are the foods that damage your teeth and should be approached with caution:
Sticky Sauces and Sugary Glazes
Those delicious chicken wings smothered in barbecue sauce might be game day favorites, but sticky sauces cling to your teeth long after you’ve finished eating. The combination of sugar and prolonged contact time creates the perfect environment for bacteria to produce enamel-damaging acids. Whether it’s barbecue sauce, teriyaki glaze, or honey mustard, these dipping sauces can wreak havoc on your smile.
Soda, Sports Drinks, and Beer
When considering game day snacks and dental health, don’t forget about beverages. Soda and sports drinks are double trouble—they’re loaded with sugar and highly acidic, causing enamel damage with every sip. While beer is less sugary, it’s still acidic and can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva’s natural protective effects. These staining drinks can also discolor your teeth over time.
Hard Candy and Popcorn
Crunching on hard candy or biting down on popcorn kernels is one of the leading causes of cracked teeth. At Acacia Dental’s emergency services, Dr. Aaron Jeziorski has treated numerous patients with dental emergencies from these seemingly innocent snacks. Unpopped kernels are particularly dangerous, as they can crack even healthy teeth.
Chips with Acidic Salsa
While chips and salsa seem like a lighter option, this combination poses problems. Chips are crunchy snacks that break down into starch, feeding harmful bacteria. Meanwhile, salsa contains acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus that can erode enamel, especially when consumed continuously throughout a four-hour game.
Best and Worst Super Bowl Snacks for Your Teeth: The Winners
Fortunately, there are plenty of tooth-friendly snacks that won’t leave you benched with dental problems:
• Cheese: This MVP contains calcium and protein that strengthen teeth while neutralizing acid in your mouth
• Vegetables with Hummus: Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery stimulate saliva production and naturally clean teeth
• Water: The ultimate game day beverage for dental health—it rinses away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated
• Nuts: Packed with nutrients and low in sugar, nuts are excellent for your teeth when you avoid the honey-roasted varieties
How to Protect Your Teeth on Super Bowl Sunday
You don’t have to avoid all your favorite foods—moderation is key. Here are practical tips from our team at Acacia Dental:
• Enjoy treats during the game rather than grazing for hours
• Practice rinsing with water between different foods to wash away sugar and acid
• Consider chewing sugar-free gum after eating to increase saliva flow and neutralize acids
• Balance your plate with tooth-friendly options alongside the indulgent ones
• Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods—wait at least 30 minutes
Remember, enjoying the Super Bowl doesn’t mean sacrificing your smile. With smart choices and good habits, you can celebrate without worry. If you do experience any dental issues during your festivities, don’t hesitate to contact Acacia Dental at (480) 485-3971. Dr. Aaron Jeziorski and our team are here to keep your smile healthy all season long!