It’s 3:30 in the afternoon, and you begin to feel as if it’s time for a snack. You may not be really hungry, but you might feel as if you’re beginning to “fade” and need some sort of pick-me-up. While you may be tempted to run to the vending machine to buy a bag of chips or candy bar, it’s best to learn exactly how snacking can negatively impact your oral health and which foods options are best if you need to “refuel” mid-afternoon.
Your Diet and Oral Health: How Your Smile Might Be At Risk
There are a few key factors that you must consider each time you consume food and beverages throughout your day:
- Harmful acids can build up inside your mouth and break down your tooth enamel. As a result, you will develop cavities over time if you’re not regularly brushing and flossing.
- The types of food you snack on can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Starchy and sugary options can remain on your teeth longer, making it easier for bad bacteria and plaque to form and burrow into the crevices of your teeth and gums.
- The longer you wait to clean your teeth after snacking, the greater your risk for oral health problems. Also, the more you snack throughout your day, especially foods that are bad for your teeth, the more your enamel continues to be attacked by harmful acids.
Which Foods Are Best for Snacking?
While it’s best to avoid snacking altogether, you may be unable to do so at times. The one important thing to remember is that the foods you choose to eat can help or hinder your smile, so you’ll want to make sure you have access to healthy options that will actually improve your gum health and strengthen your tooth enamel. These can include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e., carrots, celery, apples, cucumbers)
- Lean meats and nuts (i.e., beans, legumes, poultry, fish, almonds, walnuts)
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy
If you choose a snack that may not be as healthy for your teeth (i.e., crackers, pretzels, dried fruit), make sure you brush and floss after consuming and drink plenty of water to help flush out any sugary or starchy remnants.
Ways to Prevent Snacking
If you want to curb your snacking habits, there are a few key tips you can try to help you minimize your risk for tooth decay and avoid a growing waistline:
- Drink lots of water, as it will help to keep you fuller for longer.
- Replace snacking with another activity. If you have a few minutes, take a quick walk around the building.
- Brush your teeth to help curb cravings.
- Don’t buy snack foods at the grocery store (at least unhealthy ones).
Don’t let your teeth suffer because of your snacking choices. Take the appropriate steps to identify healthier options and make sure your smile doesn’t suffer the potential consequences. Consuming nutrient-rich foods will help to keep your oral and overall health in check.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a dentist who believes in the benefits of preventive dental care. Encouraging patients to maintain regular checkups and cleanings, he also provides helpful tips designed to keep smiles healthy while at home. From useful ways to brush and floss to eliminating bad habits and food sources that can put teeth and gums at risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease, he and his team have the answers. Contact our office at (360) 703-9092 if you need help to identify positive habits that will work to improve your oral health.