Having healthy teeth and gums today is not an option–it’s a preference. With today’s rush and on-the-go hustle and bustle it’s hard to regulate what kind of snacks are going into our mouths at any given time. We simply don’t give it much thought or think of the consequences. The downsides are that many treats are simply bad for the teeth and lead to tooth decay. The alternative is to use common logic and choose more appropriate meals and treats that promote good dental health. That’s of course, if you are intent on affordable dentures Indianapolis style. Here are some examples of the good and bad snack choices that we’ve all known and loved.
Unhealthy Treats
Candy Bars and Hard Candy
Just about everyone has a favorite chocolate or candy fetish. The problem with these types of sugary foods is that they harbor a breeding ground for microbes and bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay. Acidic wastes attack the teeth enamel, eroding it away as well as well as weakening the gums. The common candy bars such as the caramels, gummy chews, licorice and chocolate varieties sold in stores promote tooth decay. The hard candies can even loosen or extract teeth via the act of chewing. Any candy that has corn syrup or is high in fructose will produce destructive acids.
Sugary Drinks
Sugar-laden or concentrated soft drinks are just as bad, accelerating the process of tooth decay when combined with the hard sugar snacks since they can invade all the crevices and seams between the teeth. Many of the snack drinks that feature claims of extra vitamin C and other essential minerals may contain sugar as well as some of the power-aid type drinks. Milk may have vitamin D, but it also contains sugar as well as the chocolate variety.
Harmful Pastries and Ice Cream
Most of the pastries sold today have some type of sugar additive, sometimes coming in a glaze or frosting. Cookies, cakes and pies might be softer and not adhere to the teeth as long as long as chewy candies, but they accelerate tooth decay nonetheless. Donuts are a chief promoter of tooth decay, coming equipped with candied toppings, sugar swirls and glazed and powdered sugars. Not all gums and breath mints are sugar-free, and continually chewing a sugary gum is asking for a prolonged assault on the teeth. Ice cream can be especially damaging since it is often loaded with sugar, and served in its freezing state, can cause a painful flare-up to a tooth that is already decayed or temperature sensitive. Pain is a warning. Upon feeling pain or discomfort from eating a sugary treat, a person would be well advised to visit a professional dental care facility. According to James Parsey DDS, a dentist that specializes in affordable dentures in Indianapolis, Prevention is the key to restoring that wonderful smile and maintaining proper dental health.”
Best Treats
Good Sweet Fruits
It’s just as easy to reach for a healthy treat as it is for a bad one. Some treats have no negative impacts on teeth and some help promote good dental health. Mildly sweet fruits like peaches, oranges, strawberries, grapes, consumed in moderation, are a good alternative since they appease that sweet tooth craving but don’t have the high sugar concentrations. Pears, oranges and apples make good fast-food treats, especially if they are cut up in small wedges and kept refrigerated.
Get on the Vegetable Wagon
Fresh and sweet root vegetables like raw carrots, tomatoes and cucumber slices are easily served in place of sugary candies and pastries. Celery is fine by itself or stuffed with other ingredients like raisins or small smears of peanut butter. Cottage cheese can also be used as a dip for celery or placed on tomato slices. Mushrooms, broccoli florets and pepper strips make for a great snack tray and low-calorie, sugar free cream cheese can be added for topping or dips.
Go Nuts for Fiber
Any food high in natural fiber like wheat and nuts are basically sugar-free and they help promote good digestion and bowel movement. Graham crackers mixed with sunflower seeds, pistachios, walnuts and dried raisins offer a home-made trail mix that is free of sugar and loaded with fiber. There are a variety of energy bars on the market that are sugar-free, but contain a wealth of natural fiber, vitamins and nutrients. Energy bars are attractive and convenient because they mimic the look and taste of a real candy bar.
Eating healthier and changing lifestyle habits is essential in combating premature tooth decay. In addition to monitoring the types of treats eaten during the day, persons should be mindful of a regular routine of brushing and flossing to remove harmful bacteria and tartar buildup. Regular routine checkups from an accredited dental health care professional will keep teeth looking bright and clean, in addition to keeping most of them in your mouth for a lifetime!
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