Snacking throughout the day is a common habit for many people to satisfy cravings, to reduce boredom, and to refuel the body. However, snacking can affect your teeth more than you think.
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Frequently snacking on carbohydrate-heavy, sugary, and/or acidic foods and drinks fuels bad bacteria in your mouth and exposes your teeth to prolonged acid attacks. Bacteria irritates your gums and their acidic byproducts weaken enamel. Consequently, you experience an increased risk of bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
Tips for Tooth-Friendly Snacking
Luckily, there are ways you can still enjoy snacking while protecting your teeth. Our top tips for tooth-friendly snacking include:
- Choose Wisely – Opt for snacks high in nutrients and low in sugar. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, and yogurt are excellent choices!
- Limit Frequency – Reduce the number of snacking episodes. Fewer exposures to sugar and acids mean less harm to your teeth.
- Rinse Your Mouth – If you snack, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Additionally, chewing sugar-free gum after snacking can increase your saliva production and help rinse your mouth.
Healthful Snacks
What you snack on can significantly impact your oral health and overall health. For example, snacking on crunchy fruits and vegetables (like apples and nut butter, and carrots with hummus) and yogurt, cheese, and nuts can stimulate saliva production and provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus to promote strong teeth and healthy gums!
We Can Help You Improve Your Oral Health!
Snacking can have both positive and negative effects on your teeth. While some snacks provide oral benefits, others can contribute to dental problems. At Farmington Dental & Orthodontics, our experienced team can help you improve your oral health habits to protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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