As February draws to a close, so, too, does National Snack Month. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop snacking! An occasional snack is a great way to give yourself a boost during a tough day.
However, everyone has been primed about the dangers of overeating. You’ll probably be more aware of what you’re snacking on than previous generations. Between counting carbs and taking stock of the nutritional value of these treats, many people fail to recognize an equally important aspect of snacking: tooth health! That’s why instilling good oral hygiene, keeping up with biannual dental exams, and flossing daily can help keep your teeth in tip top shape.
A Mouthful of Snack Impacts
Like any food, snacking leaves debris on your teeth. Because it is often done at odd hours, snacks also tend to sit on your teeth for much longer than breakfast or dinner. This offers the food particles more time to really dig into your enamel.
This enamel loss might seem minor, but it can really build up over time. Enamel is the first line of defense against cavities and bacteria. If you fail to control this loss, your healthy smile may end up riddled with cavities! To keep that smile sparkling, you want to keep your enamel from wearing away.
You can combat this by being aware of what you’re snacking on. A glass of water after each snack will help wash away any harmful debris. If you’ve had a particularly sweet or acidic snack, such as a grapefruit, consider brushing your teeth afterwards. Using fluoride-based mouthwashes will also help strengthen existing enamel.
Smile-Friendly Snacks
So, what makes the perfect tooth-friendly snack? Ultimately, anything is a good snack, so long as it is eaten in moderation and followed with proper aftercare. Be sure to floss and rinse your mouth out after each snack, and try to avoid eating too many sugary treats. If you’re looking for some dentist-approved snacks, then here are some of our top picks:
- Lupini Beans (also known as Lupin beans)
- Rye bread crisps, a popular Russian snack
- Leipäjuusto, also known as Finnish squeaky cheese
- Turrons (just brush your teeth afterwards!)
- Chips with reuben dip
- African potato fritters, known as maakouda
Aside from proper dieting and dental habits, don’t forget to visit your local dentist regularly! Eckland Family Dentistry in Redmond with Dr. Kale or Dr. Colby, Everett, or Woodinville clean your teeth and make sure your smile sparkles for years to come. Give us a call or drop by in person to get a professional tooth checkup.