06 Jan Why Sticky Foods Can Harm Your Teeth
What you eat can put your oral health in danger – especially if you choose foods full of sugar. One of the worst types of food you can eat are sticky items. Things like caramel candy, syrups, and honey can increase your risks for damaging tooth enamel and developing cavities. In addition to avoiding sticky and sugary foods, you should schedule routine checkups and cleanings with our family dentist to protect your oral health.
What Happens When You Eat Sticky Food?
If something is sticky, it’s likely to contain high amounts of sugar. Our mouths are chock full of harmful bacteria. When we consume anything with sugar – even if those sugars are naturally occurring – the bacteria in our mouth go on a feeding frenzy. As they feed on sugar, bacteria release tooth enamel-weakening acid as a byproduct. Frequent sugar consumption can permanently destroy tooth enamel while feeding cavity-causing bacteria.
Sticky food is also dangerous because it is slow to dissolve. Its thick consistency coats teeth and provides a steady stream of sugar which bacteria can consume. Anything that coats teeth is difficult to remove. If one doesn’t brush thoroughly, any leftover residue from sticky food could continue to feed bacteria.
Healthy Alternatives to Sugar
If you’re looking for a healthy snack that will give you energy and stave off hunger, look for foods low in sugar. Nuts and seeds make for great snacks because they are low in sugar content and high in protein. Dipping bite-sized veggies like celery, carrots, and bell pepper in hummus is also another energy-boosting snack that won’t harm your teeth.
Sugary foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation. Brushing your teeth about 30 minutes after eating something sugary will help protect your teeth by removing food residue. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away leftover food and dilute acid, too.
We are accepting new patients. If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, call Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry to schedule an appointment with our experienced family dentist.