Which Snacks Can Help Improve Your Oral Health?

Do you enjoy a snack between meals? Do you find yourself going to the vending machine while at work, or do you have a stash in your desk? No matter where you keep them, or where you go to get your favorite mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, are you choosing healthier options are those that are filled with sugar? To understand why it’s better to embrace fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods, hear from a dentist in Richardson who can explain what effects these food choices can have on your teeth.

Why Sugary and Starchy Snacks Are Bad for Your Teeth and Gums

Candy bars, potato chips, fruit gummies – what do all of these have in common? They each contain ingredients that will wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Eating too much sugar and starch can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Since sugar is considered a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, it can generate acids that break down your tooth enamel and result in caries (cavities).

While fine in moderation, it is always best to either brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after consuming these kinds of snacks to keep it from adhering to the chewing surfaces of your pearly whites.

Which Food Options Can Help Improve Your Oral Health?

Now that you know sugar and starch won’t help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you desire, it’s time to take a look at the snacks that will. While it is important to establish a diet consisting of a variety of foods, always remember to read the nutrition labels when shopping for groceries. Even fruit and bread contain sugar, so make sure to eat them in moderation.

Some snacking options to consider include:

• Fruits and Raw Vegetables (i.e. oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, pears, carrots, melons)
• Grains (i.e. pasta, plain bagels, low-salt pretzels, unbuttered popcorn)
• Milk/Dairy (i.e. Low/Non-Fat cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, cheese)
• Meats/Nuts/Seeds (i.e. turkey, chicken, nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds)

Not only can the foods listed above help prevent many of the common dental diseases seen by dentists, but they will also work to benefit your whole-body health. If you’re like many individuals, you may want to lose a few extra pounds this year. Eating healthier food options can certainly help you achieve that goal as well as improve your smile and boost your confidence levels.

About the Practice
Apart from brushing, flossing, and rinsing, do you know how else you can do to improve your oral health? At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, our team of expert dentists and staff want to help every person who walks through our doors achieve happier, healthier smiles. One way to accomplish this is with patient education. Not only will we suggest products and tools to help you brush more effectively and floss correctly, but we can also provide information on nutrient-rich foods that are beneficial to your smile. To learn more about preventive care, contact us at (972) 231-5376.