Are you ready for new snacking habits to celebrate the new year? Many people make food-related resolutions to help with their waistline or their cardiovascular health, but snacking can have major effects on your tooth health as well. It isn't just what's in the snacks, but also when they are eaten. And if the color of your teeth concerns you, stay away from snacks like coffee and brightly colored foods. Teeth-whitening can help restore brightness, and prevention discoloration will make whitening effects last longer.
Snack Smart With Less Sugar
Your mouth naturally harbors bacteria, and when it has sugar to feed on, it can harm tooth enamel and offer an entryway for decay. When you limit the time sweet or starchy foods have contact with your teeth, you protect your tooth enamel, and decrease the chance you will need restorative work, such a tooth-colored filling.
Snack Smart With Crispy Foods
Crispy, crunchy foods (think carrots, apples and celery) can help your smile as they help push food particles off teeth, and they contribute minimal sugar residues. Avoid chewy foods like caramel (which can be hard on dental restorations) and chewing on foods like hard candy (which can produce small cracks in tooth enamel, or even chip a tooth).
Snack Smart With Tooth-Friendly Nutrients
You can choose snacks with nutrients like calcium, folic acid and vitamins, all of which benefit tooth-enamel. Milk, cheese and yogurt, fresh vegetables, and nuts are all good choices. (If you are enjoying nuts, be sure they are free of any pieces of shell.)
Snack Smart By Limiting Times
By snacking at set times, and then rinsing with water, you give your smile plenty of food-free time. It’s important to keep up with twice daily brushing and flossing, and regular preventive checkups, too.
Don’t Let Snacking Habits Negatively Affect Your Smile!
We love a good snack, just like the rest of the world, but a little thought about snacking can mean a lot to the health of your smile. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Creekside Family Dental Care in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.
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