One word no one likes to hear is “cavity!”
We often blame candy as the culprit behind tooth decay, but other foods and drinks that people consume can be just as harmful to their teeth, and can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Keeping your teeth or your child’s teeth from decay starts with a proper diet, and keep in mind that half of your sugar intake may be coming from beverages! A major offender is soda, but be mindful of fruit juices as well. It is important to know sugar is not the only cavity-causing culprit. Carbohydrates, starches, acids, and any food that is chewy or sticks break down into sugars, and can promote tooth decay.
So, what are the alternatives?
Candy such as dark chocolate, sugar-free gum, or anything that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute, is not as harmful for your teeth as hard, chewy, or sticky sweets. Sugar-free gum or gum that contains xylitol are known to reduce levels of bacteria on teeth.
And if you’re still looking for something to snack on, we recommend cutting up easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables. You would also be surprised how much eating a banana or sipping on a glass of water helps you curb snack cravings.
If you’re one of those folks who just can’t stay away from sweets, we encourage you to brush your teeth immediately afterward and swish water in your mouth!
Whatever you eat, Tri State Dental Care wants you to remember to brush often, floss regularly, and visit your dentist! If you have any questions about sugary foods or drinks, please give us a call or ask us during your next visit!
