You might feel comfortable asking a wide variety of questions during your dental visits with us. Perhaps you bring up thoughts regarding your prevention, how to clean your smile, decay, restorative treatments, and you wonder about how to make your smile look prettier. However, when it comes to your curiosity about spinach … well, you just might feel a little too shy to ask. Don’t worry! We are happy to answer any question that helps you better comprehend your oral health. To help you get started, we offer some myths (and facts) about this popular topic.

Spinach Myths Versus Facts

Myth: The feeling you get after you eat spinach happens because it’s dangerous for your oral health. It coats them in something similar to plaque.

Fact: Spinach is not dangerous. The feeling you’re getting on your teeth (perhaps you think of it as gritty, grimy, chalky, or otherwise), is the result of a particular acid in the leaf. It’s known as oxalic acid. However, it doesn’t spill out in liquid form. Instead, it’s in a crystallized form, which creates a layer over your teeth (and makes them feel funny).

Myth: Since spinach contains oxalic acid, you need to be careful when you eat it to make sure it doesn’t erode your enamel (similar to the way soda, coffee, or juice can).

Fact: Not at all. This is a different type of acid with a structure that will not erode your enamel. So, eat away!

Myth: Spinach is healthy for your body and can help keep your teeth clean but it doesn’t offer any significant, direct benefits for your oral health even though it seems like a super powerful food.

Fact: Actually, it’s very good for your teeth, too. It has loads of calcium, which offers protection to dental tissue by helping it remain strong.

Ask Questions During Dental Checkups

Ask us your questions during your twice-annual dental checkups, so you feel informed and educated about your smile health! Come in for a visit in Conroe, TX by scheduling a visit with the Dental Centre of Conroe by calling (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Montgomery, Magnolia, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities.