You Asked, We Answered: Is Snacking Bad For Your Smile?

Do you typically enjoy several snacks throughout the day? Do you usually munch on an afternoon candy bar or a bowl of popcorn while binge-watching your favorite shows? While this isn’t always a bad thing, eating food too frequently can be detrimental to your pearly whites. Without proper care, you could risk oral health issues later on. Keep reading to learn how snacking can affect your teeth and ways to improve your habits!

How Does Snacking Impact Your Smile?

Many of the tastiest treats are packed with sugar and starch content. While these snacks are delicious, they’re also more likely to cause bacteria growth. When the germs in your mouth feed on these ingredients, they release a weak acid by-product that can begin to wear down your protective enamel. The longer these particles remain on your teeth and gums, the more likely they can develop into more serious health problems like cavities, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease. For this reason, you might want to consider limiting how often you consume sugary and starchy snacks throughout the day.

4 Tips to Improve Your Diet & Oral Health

Although you’ll want to ensure your pearly whites stay protected, you don’t have to go hungry in the process. Here are several important dietary tips that can help you maintain a healthy body and smile:

• Eat breakfast: Your first meal is the most important because it provides you with the energy necessary to start your day. Try eating foods that are high in protein to keep you fuller for longer, such as an omelet.
• Choose healthy treats: Process meals typically loads of sugar, starches, and carbohydrates which can harm your smile. Stick with healthier options like fruits, nuts, and veggies.
• Drink plenty of water: While you’ll want to stay hydrated throughout your day, you may not want to drink sugary sodas and sports drinks. Instead, keep a clean bottle of water with you for sustenance.
• Plan your meals: By keeping your menu more organized, you’ll be able to keep track of all the foods you eat and their nutritious values. Your urge to snack won’t be as strong if you know what you’ll be munching on in the evening.

While it may be challenging to cut off your snacking habit, it doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Be sure to keep a well-balanced diet that’ll keep you full throughout the day, and you can be sure to enjoy a healthier smile in the long run!

About the Author

Dr. Jerome L. Faist earned his dental doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and has been delivering outstanding care for well over four decades. He’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations such as the American Dental Association and the Cleveland Dental Society. He provides a wide selection of advanced and comprehensive treatments, including dental checkups and periodontal therapy. If you’d like to set up an appointment, visit his website or call him at 216-464-2448.