There are few things more disappointing than learning something you absolutely love could be bad for your smile health. You already know that sugar isn’t good for your teeth and gums, which is certainly not something that makes you very happy! When you learn that it’s possible your daily snacking could also prove hazardous, well … it’s not a lovely moment. Good news: There’s no reason to find yourself down in the doldrums! It’s simply a matter of snacking in a safe way, explains your family dentist, so consider some FAQs (and the very helpful answers).
Questions and Answers
Question: I know that snacking is something that can encourage tooth decay and other smile health problems but I’m not really sure why or what to do about it. Can you help?
Answer: Your family dentist explains that this happens when you’re eating foods high in sugar or carbohydrates. When the bacteria within plaque eat the particles you leave behind, they digest them. This process includes the release of acids onto your smile. The result? It softens your enamel and may lead to decay. You can either clean your smile after you eat or you can choose to eat smile-friendly foods instead.
Question: I love snacking on crunchy things like ice but I keep hearing that this might not be a very good choice throughout the day. What should I be avoiding and what should I do instead?
Answer: There’s nothing inherently wrong with crunchy foods. In fact, many of them benefit your smile health because they help remove plaque and other debris. What you need to look out for is foods that are extremely hard because they can damage your teeth (think ice or cement-like crackers). Instead, try good-for-you crunch like lightly salted popcorn or carrot sticks!
Question: Do I need to brush and floss my smile every single time I eat in order to be sure I’m not seriously damaging my smile health?
Answer: Your family dentist reminds you that brushing is wonderful! However, if you snack frequently, then this may be too much. Or, if you simply cannot get to your toothbrush and toothpaste, this won’t work. Instead, remember that you can rely on drinking water (and swishing it around) to gently cleanse your smile. You can also chew sugarless gum after snacking for extra protection.
Get Your Nutrition And Smile Questions Answered By Us!
Come in to talk with your family dentist and our friendly team about how to enjoy the foods you like without jeopardizing your smile. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
