Taking good care of your teeth is as much about what you eat as it is about your oral hygiene routine. Here, our Calgary orthodontists suggest some snacks that are good for your teeth.
HEALTHY SNACKING ROUTINES
Before we get into suggestions for healthy snacks, here are some healthy snacking habits that will do your teeth good in the long run:
1. CHOOSE SUGAR-FREE SNACKS
All the snacks listed below will be sugar-free, or low in sugar. The acid-producing bacteria that live in your mouth feed on sugar, so the less sugar you eat, the better.
2. CARRY AN ORAL HYGIENE KIT
Keep a small pouch with a travel-sized tube of tooth paste, some floss, and a toothbrush handy in your desk, locker, purse or backpack. That way, you’ll be able to keep your teeth clean between snacks.
3. PLAN AHEAD
Bring snacks from home so that you have something filling, healthy, and low in sugar on hand if you get hungry.
This will make it easier for you to avoid buying something sugary from a convenience store or a vending machine when you’re out and about.
ORAL HEALTH FRIENDLY SNACK IDEAS
These oral health friendly snacks are generally low in sugar, filling, and easily transportable.
In some cases, they even have mouth-cleaning properties that help keep plaque and bacteria at bay between brushing sessions.
PLAIN MILK OR YOGURT
Low in sugar and high in calcium and protein, a glass of milk or a cup of plain yogurt are great choices for light but satisfying sustenance between meals.
FIBROUS FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Raw, fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are crunchy and high in fibre, helping scrub plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums as you chew.
In addition, dark, leafy greens are full of calcium, which helps build stronger teeth.
CHEESE
Cheese is high in calcium and therefore good for your teeth. In addition, eating cheese causes your mouth to increase its saliva production, which in turn helps wash away oral bacteria.
HIGH PROTEIN & FATTY FOODS
Snacks like hard-boiled eggs, nuts, olives, and seeds are all filling and nutritious. Having these foods on hand will help keep you full, and you’ll be less likely to want to snack on sugary treats.