3 Tips For Eating Healthy Lunches Your Teeth Will Like. by Monica Contract, DMD

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WE BELIEVE IN PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY and yes, much of that depends on you! Cleaning your teeth after you eat is important, but the effects of good habits also have a lot to do with what you eat.

Keep Your Smile Healthy By Packing Great Lunches

Eating on-the-go can be problematic. In the morning, grabbing a donut is much easier than making an omelette! But taking the time to think through what you’re eating for lunch is really important for both your oral and overall health. Whether you’re planning your own lunch or you’re making lunch for your kids to take to school, keep these three smile-friendly lunch tips in mind.

1. Switch Out The Troublemakers

Chewy, sweet foods like gummies or dried fruits like Craisins can be really bad for your teeth because they stick! For a sweet treat, choose fresh fruit or even a little bit of chocolate.

Processed, starchy crackers or chips are trouble-makers. They stick to teeth and turn into sugars very quickly. Opt for whole grains instead—or even better, some healthy nuts or seeds.

2. Reconsider What You Drink

Soda and sports drinks are bad news for your teeth. Some fruit juices are loaded with sugar and acid as well. Consider milk or water instead. Chocolate milk may be a good option too. It offers protein and almost half of your daily calcium.

If you just can’t kick the soda habit, drink water after you finish lunch to help clean and rebalance your mouth.

3. Use Natural Scrubbers

There are certain foods that actually help your teeth. For example, yogurt and cheese can cut acidity making something like fruit juice less harmful. And then there are great fruits and vegetables that scrub your teeth when you eat them and get rid of built-up sugars and starches from your lunch. These include celery, apples, carrots, cucumbers, and pears.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about your oral health or any of the special challenges we’ve talked about above, be sure to ask us! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us—and we promise to be very responsive! You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/williamsburgdentist , you can email us at appts@wmbgsmiles.com, or you can call us at 757-220-6727.

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1130 Old Colony Lane, Suite 100 • Williamsburg, VA 23185 • (757) 220-6727

About the Author

Dr Contract Photo 2010

Dr. Monica Contract was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Contract then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine from which she graduated second in her class with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).
In 2010, Dr. Contract completed a General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this residency, she received advanced dental training in most of the dental specialties and developed the skills necessary to treat medically compromised patients.
Dr. Contract moved to the Williamsburg area in 2010 and has had the pleasure of working at Williamsburg Smiles ever since. At her office, Dr. Contract utilizes the latest technology including a dental laser, modern sterilization, one-visit in-office whitening, computerized operatories, intraoral cameras, and digital radiography. Additionally, each treatment room offers cable TV and DVD movies for patient enjoyment.
As a general dentist, Dr. Contract provides comprehensive care for her patients including white fillings, sealants, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and Invisalign clear braces. Additionally, she is recognized for her adept skill in providing pediatric dentistry, implant treatment, extractions, dentures and partial dentures.
Dr. Contract is active in numerous professional and community affairs. She enjoys being an Assistant Professor at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she teaches the anesthesia curriculum for their dental hygiene program. She is involved with Give Kids a Smile and serves as a team captain for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Contract enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two dogs Henry and Zena. She is an avid reader and enjoys playing tennis, biking and traveling.

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