Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Proper nutrition is important for both your overall wellness and your oral health. You have heard throughout your life how sugar can jeopardize your teeth, but there are other foods and drinks that can pose major threats to your teeth and gums, increasing your susceptibility to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. What are these foods and drinks that you should avoid? We will examine four of these foods and drinks, today on the blog.
Starchy snacks: Chips, pretzels and crackers are popular snacks but they can be just as hazardous to your teeth as eating a bowl full of candy. The oral bacteria in your mouth break down these starchy snacks the same way they would sugar, while also secreting acid onto the surfaces of your teeth that lead to the formation of harmful plaque.
Packaged snacks: Processed foods are, generally speaking, worse for your health than fresh foods. They are higher in calories and also less dense nutritionally, meaning you stay less full. Sweet packaged snacks pose double the risk; these sugars stick to your teeth, where bacteria can proliferate and accumulate.
Carbonated water: You already know that soft drinks can be bad for your dental health, especially if you are sipping on them throughout the day because your teeth remain immersed in sugar. Many people opt for carbonated water, or soda water, as a healthier alternative. However, any carbonated beverage is highly acidic, and this carbonation can eat away at the enamel – the protective outer layer of your tooth structure.
Alcohol: Drinking alcoholic beverages in excess has a wide variety of negative health consequences. One of them is that alcohol has a dehydrating effect on your entire body, including your mouth. Alcohol also encourages greater development of your oral bacteria, elevating your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Remember that, if you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and also drink plenty of water to stave off both dehydration and dry mouth.
Healthy alternatives: Fresh, crunchy produce is lower in calories and gives your teeth a workout, encouraging the production of saliva, a natural lubricant that washes bacteria and sugars off of your teeth. Consider pairing crunchy vegetables with something like hummus, cheese or a whole-fat protein such as mixed nuts or natural peanut butter. For an alternative to candy, combine fresh fruit with cottage cheese or a sugar-free yogurt. When it comes to drinks, opt for plain water or a flavored beverage that is sugar-free and not highly acidic.
Nutritional counseling from your dentist in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
At Tenaglia Smiles, our services go far beyond just filling cavities or performing a cleaning. We also can provide counsel on nutrition to protect your oral health and also reduce other risks to your health through the foods and drinks that you consume. Find out for yourself why Dr. Christine Tenaglia has been named Okemos’ favorite dentist. Reach out to Tenaglia Smiles online or give us a call at (517) 347-6733 to schedule a consultation today.