Summer is all about food and picnics. In line with this, it is quite important to invest in snacks that are good for your teeth; the type of food you eat can greatly affect your dental health.
While it is nice to eat anything without feeling guilty at times, it will always pay to be mindful of what we eat. The American Dental Association (ADA) reminds everyone that the mouth and overall dental health reflect how the whole body is faring.
According to the ADA, the food and beverage you consume directly affect your dental health through its form, sugar levels, nutritional make-up, and your existing comorbidities. The ADA reiterates that although snacking contributes to cavity and plaque formation, there are instances where it’s unavoidable. In this case, they suggest eating snacks that are good for your teeth.
Common Causes of Tooth Decay
Before learning about snacks that are good for your teeth, it is good to have a rundown on the dangerous effects of sugar – tooth decay. Children and teenagers are most prone to tooth decay, but adults – especially older adults – are also prone to complications caused by tooth decay.
Here are some of the reasons why cavities or tooth decay occur:
Bacteria Build-Up
Eating too many sugary summer foods, dehydration, and bad dental hygiene give way to bacteria buildup. The mouth is home to thousands of bacteria, which are beneficial in breaking down food particles. However, when these bacteria multiply, they can damage the teeth and other parts of the mouth.
Bad Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene minimizes or prevents sugary food from damaging teeth. Bad dental hygiene leaves sugar and food particles in the mouth, encouraging bacteria to eat them and thrive. This can lead to the formation of a sticky substance known as plaque.
Healthy Snacks For Teeth
Foods good for teeth are healthy and excellent alternatives to junk foods. If you have children in your household, you know how much sugar they consume on a daily basis. From chocolates to sodas to candies, sugar is a staple in children’s diets.
Sugar is one of the most dangerous substances for the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest sugar and excrete acidic waste that can dissolve enamel, the teeth’s protective layer.
Damaged and thinning enamel exposes teeth to degradation.
Some foods good for the teeth to try include:
Dairy Products
Milk-based snacks such as yogurt and cheese are snacks that are good for your teeth. They are rich in nutrients that benefit the body and the teeth; for instance, yogurt and cheese are rich in casein, a type of protein that contributes to enamel formation.
Aside from casein, dairy products are healthy summer food rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help protect the teeth and make them stronger.
Leafy Vegetables
Let’s face it; leafy greens are probably every child’s nightmare food. However, green, leafy vegetables are good for the teeth. Spinach, kale, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and nutrients that protect your teeth and prevent infections, making them one of the best summer foods.
You can serve leafy greens as a snack or as a healthy summer food in many ways. For instance, kale chips are readily available on the market and come with a variety of dips. Or, you can try creating your own healthy snacks for teeth by turning vegetables into chips.
Fruits
Replace soda with fruit juices to take care of your teeth. They also help in saliva production, minimizing the bacteria population within the mouth. Mixing and matching them is also a healthy way to get hydrated.
Fruits have natural sugars in small amounts, and they can be served at any time of the day: may it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fruits also serve as a palate cleanser and an additional flavor to your summer foods. Aside from beverages, you can also eat these summer treats as is or as a replacement for your usual sweet treats.
Tea
Tea is another healthier alternative to your usual beverage. Unsweetened tea contains substances that can help prevent plaque buildup. Although tea is usually served hot, you can save your brew in the refrigerator and serve it cold with your summer treats.
Sugar Substitutes
In recent years, more and more food products are including sugar substitutes as a sweetener for desserts. Sugar substitutes taste and feel like sugar, but they do not contain the calories and elements that may cause tooth decay and other diseases.
Stevia is the most available sugar substitute on the market. You can buy it as a processed product in packs or as a plant that you can add to your herb garden; just crush some leaves for your dessert or beverage.
Applesauce and other fruit purees are also becoming popular as a good granulated sugar alternative. Other examples of sugar substitutes are honey, maple syrup, and Yakon syrup. These three sweeteners are highly organic and are widely distributed in groceries and supermarkets.
What Your Dentist Can Do For You
Constant consultation with your dentist will give you an idea regarding your overall dental health. In more recent years, dental professionals are starting to implement holistic dentistry into their practice. They will check your teeth and work with other medical professionals to ensure that your body is in an optimal state.
Frequent visits to the dentists will ensure a clean set of teeth; they often check up on your teeth and clean them during these visits. It also allows them to point out minor problems in your mouth and quickly resolve them.
Sunrise Dentistry Practices Holistic Medicine For Your Dental Health
Searching for dentists Pagosa Springs, CO? Sunrise Dentistry can help with all your oral problems, including tooth decay and halitosis. Our highly-skilled team can provide the best care for your teeth. They also clean your tongue. Book a session with us today for holistic oral care.
