Most people already know the importance of a good diet to overall health. While it’s easy to understand the importance of nutritious meals, there’s still one key area that many people struggle with— snack time. With so many delicious things to snack on out there, it can be challenging to choose which ones will help keep you satisfied without damaging your teeth.
Snack Wisely
Avoid sticky, starchy, or sugary foods when you’re feeling the munchies. Items like potato chips, dried fruits, cookies, and crackers tend to stick to your teeth for long periods of time, and this can cause your dentist to find cavities on your next visit.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should limit sugar consumption to less than five percent of your total energy intake. While all foods do contain some type of sugar, you’ll find naturally-occurring ones in items such as nuts, fruits, yogurt, fresh vegetables, and cheese. Sugars found in these selections are typically less worrisome, especially since they are healthier overall compared to processed choices with added sugars that can have harmful effects on your teeth.
Drink Smart
Furthermore, the beverages you consume during snack time can also have a big impact on your overall health. Love juice and soda? You might want to consider making better choices such as water or milk instead. Water helps protects against tooth decay by washing away food particles from your teeth. On the other hand, milk is an excellent source of calcium that helps you build stronger bones and teeth.
Yet no matter what you drink, take care not to sip it throughout the whole day. Remember that constant consumption, whether that’s beverage or food, can be extremely harmful for your teeth. This tends to feed the cavity-causing bacteria that live inside your mouth. Ideally, you should limit your snacking to only once or twice every day.
Indulge Once in a While
Of course, it’s unreasonable to expect a person to never eat starches or sweets at all. If you do get those cravings, it’s better to consume them during mealtimes instead of snack time. During meals, there is more saliva in your mouth, helping wash away those sugary or starchy treats. This helps remineralize teeth and counteracts any acid-producing bacteria at work.
Finally, schedule regular visits with your dentist in Raleigh, NC to keep any dental problem at bay so you can enjoy good food and drinks without worrying about your smile.
Sources:
Smart Snacks For Healthy Teeth
colgate.com
Diet and Oral Health
webmd.com
