Everyone wants a bright, beautiful smile. The health of your teeth can affect your confidence and potentially make you ill if not properly cared for. If you think that brushing, flossing and getting regular cleanings at Ogden Family Dental is all you need to do, think again. You could be putting your healthy smile at risk with your choice of snacks.
Dried Fruit
It may come as a surprise, but all fruits aren’t the best choice for your teeth. While many fruits are a healthy choice, watch out for dried fruits. The dehydration process condenses the sugars and changes the texture. The gummy consistency sticks to surfaces and spaces between teeth and can promote cavities.
Crackers and Chips
Crunch carbs can promote tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feast on the starch in crackers and chips. Try combining some cheese with your starchy snacks to combat harmful bacteria.
Acidic Foods
While fresh vegetables and fruits should be plentiful for a balanced diet, take extra care when consuming acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits. According to your dentist North Ogden, these types of foods can erode the tooth enamel, leaving teeth weaker and susceptible to cavities.
Hard Candy
While delicious, hard candy provides a 1-2 punch for your teeth. It is not only full of sugar, but the hard consistency can cause lost fillings or broken teeth. Next time you reach for hard candy, think twice.
Carbonated Drinks
Your dentist at Family Dental Ogden Utah suggests that you avoid carbonated drinks. The National Institute of Health reports that damage to tooth enamel from acidic carbonated drinks like soda is similar to the damage done by methamphetamines or crack cocaine. Try drinking water flavored with fruit, instead.
Ice
Ice seems like an innocent crunchy snack, but the rock-hard consistency can cause serious damage. Teeth can be broken or cracked, and you could loosen or completely lose fillings. We recommend chilling your drinks before drinking them so you won’t be tempted to snack on the ice.
For more information on how you can help keep your teeth healthy, contact us at Wangsgard Family Dental today.