Snacking: With the recent increase in diabetes and childhood obesity, it might just be America’s new favorite pastime. Thanks to revolutions in packaging, consumers are leveled with a barrage of convenient, ready-to-eat options as they make their way through grocery store aisles. Variety is a spice of life, but snacking is devolving into an endless frenzy of carbohydrate and sugar consumption. Beverage, potato chip, and candy companies all seem to roll out new products each season which can be increasingly harmful to teeth.
Stop Pouring Sugar on Your Teeth
It’s no secret that soft drinks contain sugar. The large amount of sugar contained within a typical soda pop often drives people to explore diet options to help protect their teeth. Unfortunately enamel-destroying acid is in a number of drinks, including sports and energy drinks, and both diet, and regular soft drinks. Tooth enamel cannot be fully regenerated, and subjecting teeth to acid attacks can leave enamel soft and vulnerable to decay. Limiting the effects of sugar and harmful acids could be as simple as consuming acidic beverages in one sitting, instead of sipping them throughout the day. Prolonged exposure can increase the rate at which enamel demineralizes. Also consider brushing your teeth about twenty minutes after drinking harmful beverages. Brushing will help remove harmful particles from your teeth, and the wait time will ensure that you don’t spread acids to other parts of your teeth.
Raisin the Bar
Munching on chocolate-covered raisins is fun, and delicious. However, it can also lead to cavities. Dried fruit is notorious for getting stuck between teeth. Often, people will turn to dried-fruit candy seeing it as a healthy alternative to a nougat-filled candy bar. If the raisins are covered in milk chocolate, your teeth could even benefit slightly from the calcium present.Instead of opting for the candied raisins, reach for an apple instead. Although apples contain natural sugar, they also stimulate saliva flow, and aid in removing excess food particles. Be sure to brush about twenty minutes after eating an apple to remove any sugar clinging to teeth.
Once You Pop, Stop
Potato chips can be addictive. Many popular brands even use slogans attesting to their addictive nature. More potato chips are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday, than any other day of the year. Why? Because it’s all about snacking. People love to snack on chips throughout the day. However, chips are loaded with carbohydrates and sugars, which exacerbate the effects of oral bacteria. Acid attacks begin as soon as you begin chomping away on a potato chip. Although it isn’t nearly as much fun, the best way to snack on potato chips is to consume the desired amount in one sitting, followed by a thorough rinse and tooth brushing.
Happiness is a Warm Dental Chair
Trying to figure out the best way to save your teeth during peak snacking holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving? To find out more information about snacking, how to snack, and which foods to avoid, contact Stensland Dental Studio today. Schedule a checkup, or consultation by calling (757) 645-4055.
Dr. Steve Stensland graduated from MCVs School of Dentistry in 2006 after completing his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech where he obtained a dual degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry. After graduating from MCV, Dr. Stensland moved to Williamsburg and practiced with a large group dental practice for four years before founding Stensland Dental Studio in April of 2010. He has focused his continuing education efforts on nationally recognized core curriculum covering such topics as TMJ/bruxism, surgical implantology, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics. Dr. Stensland has built a practice founded on strong principles of integrity, compassion, and conservative comprehensive dentistry for patients of all ages. Steve has been married for 5 years and has 2 sons. Spending his free time with his family is his number one priority, but he also finds time to compete in local soccer leagues and enjoys playing tennis.
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