Don't Feel Guilty for Snacking

Everyone enjoys a delicious snack during their busy day or dessert after dinner. But what some may not know is what they are doing to their teeth with this process. Foods have an immediate effect because it comes in contact with bacteria and creates acid which starts the process for cavities.

When eating an unhealthy snack that contains fermentable carbs, they break down in the mouth and form into acid that produce decay. Sticky foods such as raisins cause more damage because of how long they are in contact with the teeth. So while you keep chewing you are letting the acid eat away at your enamel for a longer period of time. This is also true with potato chips because they get stuck in the cracks and interproximal areas within the teeth. After these foods have been swallowed you would think that the acids would disappear with it but in fact they don’t, they sit in your mouth for another half an hour!

A good choice is all carbohydrate foods because they break down into simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, maltose and lactose. Always try and pick a snack that creates a constant saliva flow. Cheese is a great example to snack on especially after a meal because it helps wash away those acids caused by other foods. Another helpful tip is if you’re really craving those chocolate chip cookies, eat them with dinner instead of a separate snack!

Best Snack Choices:

            cheese, chicken, nuts, and sugarless gum that contains xylitol.

 Worst Snack Choices:

            candy, cookies, crackers, bread, and dried fruits.