Snack Smart: Health Foods That Harm Teeth

November 20, 2013

One of the best things you can do to maintain your oral health is to eat healthy. Healthy foods help keep your teeth clean and provide some of the minerals that you need to keep your teeth strong. There are some foods that are better for meal time and others that are better for snack time. Make sure you choose your snack time foods well, to promote good oral health.



Bad Snack Foods

Grabbing a piece of fruit seems like a great quick snack, but monitor which fruits you grab. Oranges and other citrus fruits can harm your teeth. Not only do they contain sugar, they are also acidic. It is best to eat these fruits as part of a meal to minimize the acidity.

Some other fruits you may want to stay away from at snack time are blueberries and cranberries. They aren’t very acidic, but they will stain your teeth and the longer you let the stain sit on your teeth, the harder it is to get it out. Try drinking water or milk with the blueberries as you eat them to rinse the blue color off your teeth.


Other types of food to avoid are sticky foods, such as raisins and other dried fruit and candy, and carb rich foods, such as potato chips and Cheerios. These can easily get stuck in the pits and grooves of your teeth and remain in your mouth for a period of time. This means that the sugars in these foods are available to the bacteria in your mouth long after you have finished eating. These are best eaten with a meal as the saliva that is produced when you eat a meal will help break down these sticky foods. Also, brush your teeth about 15 minutes after eating these foods to make sure you get them out of the crevices in your teeth.


Although sandwiches aren’t really a quick snack, they are often a “go to” lunch food, or a quick on-the-go alternative to a sit down lunch. Be careful with sandwiches as the bread is a sticky food and is also full of sugar. If you do grab a sandwich, grab something crunchy, like celery or carrots. These will help clean your teeth afterwards – or, even better; bring your toothbrush with you!


Lastly, if you get thirsty throughout the day don’t reach for the juice or soda. Juice and soda contain lots of sugars that stay on your teeth long after you have finished drinking them. As these don’t require chewing, you won’t produce extra saliva. The extra saliva helps return the pH of your mouth to normal and also helps wash away the sugar. If you really need the sweet kick, use a straw, drink water afterwards, and finish your drink quickly (don’t sip on it for hours).


Good Snack Foods

Sometimes you just can’t help it and you get hungry between meals. What should you snack on in this case? Cheeses and nuts are good snack foods. They help stimulate saliva and can also help reduce the pH of your mouth. They also contain phosphorous along with calcium, which are the two minerals most needed to rebuild your tooth enamel.


Crunchy raw fruits and veggies are also good. These fruits and veggies may contain sugar, but they also contain lots of water. Carrots and celery are best, as they are very crunchy and can help massage the gums and clear away some plaque.

If you just want to hold off until meal time, grab a piece of xylitol gum. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that helps prevent decay. By chewing xylitol gum instead of or after a snack, you are helping to reduce the pH in your mouth as well as killing the decay causing bacteria in your mouth.


When you do get thirsty, grab a glass of milk or a bottle of water. Milk is rich in calcium, the mineral that is essential in rebuilding your enamel. Water helps to wash away trapped food particles, keep your gums (and body) hydrated and cleans your mouth so that your saliva can work to remineralize your teeth.

 

Eating healthy is important at any age. Starting healthy eating habits early can help your children learn how to snack properly. The same is true for healthy oral habits. Teach your children how to snack healthy and take care of their teeth at the same time. At our Evanston dental office, we know that getting through the day without snacking can sometimes be difficult. Make sure you grab a tooth friendly snack so you can keep your smile beautiful!

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Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and transformation. As your body adapts to nurture new life, your needs evolve—including your dental care. At Stephens Dentistry, we’re passionate about supporting expectant mothers through every stage of this journey. Understanding the connection between oral health and pregnancy is not just important for your smile, but for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.  How Pregnancy Impacts Oral Health Pregnancy brings about a surge in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can have a profound effect on your gums and teeth. Many women notice changes in their oral health during pregnancy, including increased sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding gums. These shifts aren't just uncomfortable—they can also signal conditions that need attention to safeguard your overall health. Pregnancy Gingivitis: What You Need to Know One of the most common dental issues during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , up to 60–75% of pregnant women develop gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This occurs because hormonal changes heighten the body’s response to the bacteria in dental plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis—a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss and has been linked to health risks beyond the mouth. Oral Health and Birth Outcomes The importance of oral health during pregnancy goes beyond comfort and aesthetics. Research has shown a significant link between maternal gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research found that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver prematurely or have babies with low birth weights. Although more research is ongoing, the potential connection means that taking care of your gums and teeth is an essential part of prenatal health. Why Dental Care Shouldn’t Wait Some expectant mothers worry about dental treatments during pregnancy. The good news is that routine dental care—including cleanings and necessary treatments—are not only safe but recommended during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirms that preventive dental work is important and can be performed safely, especially in the second trimester. Delaying care can allow small problems to become bigger ones, and untreated infections can pose a risk to both you and your baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, scheduling a dental checkup beforehand is an excellent way to get ahead of any issues. Practical Tips for Expectant Mothers Maintaining oral health during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy: Brush and Floss Regularly: Aim to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and reduce your risk of gingivitis. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which support both your oral and overall health. Manage Morning Sickness: If you experience vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash rather than brushing immediately afterward, as stomach acid can soften tooth enamel. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and can also help combat dry mouth, which is common in pregnancy. Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Let your dental team know you are pregnant so they can tailor your care. At Stephens Dentistry, we take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety during each visit. Learn more about our preventive dental services . Recognizing When to Call Your Dentist While mild gum sensitivity is common, it’s important to reach out to your dentist if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain. These symptoms could indicate an infection that needs prompt attention. If you develop a dental emergency during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—timely care is always the best choice for both you and your baby. Supporting Your Health at Stephens Dentistry At Stephens Dentistry, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized dental care for every stage of life—including pregnancy. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest guidelines and safety protocols to ensure you receive the best care possible. For more information on how we support our patients during pregnancy, visit our dental care for families page. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and your smile should be a part of it. Prioritizing your oral health is a gift to yourself and your growing family. If you have questions or want to schedule your next dental visit, contact our office —we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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