Healthy Diet For A Healthy Smile

When you think about the consequences of an extra snack before dinner or a sweet drink to boost your energy in the afternoon, you might be considering how they’ll affect your waistline. But, have you considered the effects of these seemingly innocent actions on your teeth?

Sugar, the most common enemy to the health of your teeth, is in many foods that we eat. Constant snacking between meals, even “healthy snacks,” can cause trouble for your teeth that you may not have considered.

The Effects of Frequent Snacking on Your Teeth

Every time you eat or drink something, acids are released in your mouth as a natural bodily process to prepare for digestion. This acidic environment lingers for a while after you’ve eaten, taking around 30 minutes for your mouth to go back to a neutral PH.

These high acidic levels are the perfect environment for bacteria to stick and build nests in your teeth, allowing cavities to form and causing tooth decay. If you snack every 20 minutes, the acidic levels never go down to normal and the process of decay continues. Dental plaque, gum issues, and wear on teeth are common consequences of constant snacking and drinking.

If you’re in the habit of constant snacking, this information may motivate you to quit! There are several ways you can avoid grabbing for a bag of chips or another snack to tide you over before a meal. Practice meal planning and drinking water instead of sugary drinks to keep your diet on track. Avoid purchasing processed snack foods and swap them out for carrot sticks, apples or other fruits and veggies that provide nutrients.

At Brown and Kupper, DDS, we want to make sure our patients in West Chester, OH not only get the best dental care possible, but are informed and educated on how to keep their teeth healthy, too. Please call our office if you have questions or want more information on how you can achieve great dental health.