Many people indulge in a snack between meals. A small bite to eat can give you an energy boost that can carry you through your busy day. However, if you are not careful, snacking can pose a threat to your oral health.
Frequent snacks without mindfulness may weaken your teeth, putting you in danger of cavities and many other dental problems. You may want to limit the amount of time you spend snacking, but you do not need to abandon the behavior entirely to protect your oral health. Read on to find advice from your dentist that can ensure you do not cause dental damage with your snacking habits.
Steer Clear of Sugary and Acidic Snacks
The types of foods that you snack on can have a major effect on the habit’s risk to your smile. Pay attention to the foods you consume to make sure you choose snacks that do not hurt your teeth. Keep your pantry stocked with snacks that are healthy for your smile rather than harmful.
For instance, sugar is famously dangerous for your teeth because it will become acidic in your mouth and contribute to the erosion of your tooth enamel. Therefore, you should look for snacks that do not contain added sugar so that you do not hurt your smile. Similarly, you should avoid highly acidic food items that can also weaken your dental structure.
If you crave something sweet, try sugar-free snacks like yogurt, berries, or apples. Some snacks can strengthen your teeth, improving your dental health. So look for calcium-rich snacks like cheese sticks or other dairy products.
Snack for Short Periods
The length of time that you spend eating snacks can impact your oral health as well. Dentists often caution against snacking because people tend to consume snacks without thinking about it. This can mean you lose track of time and eat for longer than you planned to.
Not only can this disrupt your diet, but it may threaten your oral health too. When you spend more time eating, food particles will linger in your mouth for a longer period. The bits of food will encourage bacterial spread, which will eat away at your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to further dental issues.
You might not always remember to take note of how long you snack. You can counter this effect by choosing snacks that will take less time to consume. A quick bite of a carrot or celery will be less harmful to your smile than sucking on a hard candy or lollipop.
Rinse Your Mouth After a Snack
You can protect your smile from potential threats from snacking by rinsing your mouth after you finish your food. Ideally, you should brush your teeth to scrub away lingering food particles that might cling to your smile. But you do not always have access to your oral hygiene supplies.
Drinking water will also rinse your mouth of bits of food and other residues. It can make your mouth cleaner and therefore healthier. Plus, you can reduce your risk of forming bad breath. Learn more about preventative dental care by visiting your dentist.