General Dentistry: Why Is Snacking So Bad for Your Teeth?

Have you ever wondered what general dentistry professionals think about how snacking affects your dental health? Snacking in between meals is a great way to refuel your body and keep you going until your next meal.

However, many people substitute snacks for meals, which can be bad for your teeth. In general dentistry, there is a belief that frequent snacking does as much damage to your teeth as eating candy or drinking sodas.

Why is snacking so bad for your teeth?

For general dentistry practitioners, snacking is considered to be bad for your teeth because anytime you snack on sugary or starchy foods, the sugar and starch combined with the bacteria in your mouth to form acids that wear down your enamel.

When your enamel is weakened, the structure of your teeth becomes compromised, leading to tiny holes known as cavities, a form of tooth decay. If the cavities in your teeth are left unchecked, they can lead to further tooth decay and, eventually, tooth loss.

What should I do if I cannot snack?

Even though snacking can be bad for your health, you can still enjoy some of your favorite snacks as long as you do so in moderation. If you want to protect your teeth, you will also have to practice good oral hygiene.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Ideally, general dentistry practitioners would prefer it if you brushed your teeth after every meal but that is not very practical, especially if you snack a lot.

The best way to protect your teeth after snacking is to rinse with either fluoride mouthwash or tap water because most of the tap water in the country has fluoride in it.

Limiting your snacking

There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of snacking you do each day, helping to protect your teeth. Some of the most popular techniques used to reduce snacking in general dentistry include:

Eating breakfast: It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but a lot of people skip breakfast, opting for alternatives to snack on. If you eat a big meal for breakfast every day, your body gets fueled and your appetite is curbed, meaning you are likely to eat fewer snacks
Drink water: Drinking water helps to hydrate your body and helps you feel less fatigued. Water is also a better alternative to any soda or sugary drink because it does not damage your teeth as sugary drinks do
Eat less sugar: If you want to eat a snack, try avoiding sugary snacks and processed foods
Have a healthy diet: A balanced diet is very important to your general and oral health, which is why you should eat a lot of healthy food, fruits and vegetables to help you maintain a balance

Conclusion

Snacking is bad for your teeth because many snacks have plenty of sugar and carbohydrates. If you want to learn more about the negative effects of snacking on your teeth, talk to your dentist to understand how snacking affects your teeth.

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